Calendar archive 2010-14

JANUARY 2010

Fri. 1st: CANCELLED Two Time Polka, McKenna's Bar, Kilmainhamwood, Co. Meath. 5.00-7.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 046 9052154 CANCELLED

Sun. 3rd: Two Time Polka, O'Flaherty's Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. 4.00-6.00 p.m. Adm free. Tel. 066 9151983

Thurs. 14th-Sun. 31st: Celtic Connections 2010, Glasgow, Scotland: Bearfoot, Bruce Molsky, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Hot Club of Cowtown, Jerry Douglas, Tim & Mollie O'Brien, Red Stick Ramblers, Russ Barenberg, innumerable others

Thurs. 14th-Sun. 17th: Sixmilebridge Folk Club's Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; Rough Deal String Band, Mad Uncle Harry, Buffalo Gals (UK), many more

Sat. 16th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo

Thurs. 21st: Buddy Mondlock with Mike Lindauer (USA), the Real Music Club @ the Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE; 028 9064 1410. Set: 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 22nd: Fund-raiser for Haiti earthquake disaster: Two Time Polka and many others, Cubins Nightclub, Hanover St.; doors at 8.00 p.m.. Adm. €15.

Sun. 24th: Buddy Mondlock with Mike Lindauer (USA), Whelan's (upstairs), 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2; +353 1478 0766. Set: 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 26th: Buddy Mondlock with Mike Lindauer (USA), Mick Murphy's, the Square, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; +353 45 864017. Set: 9.30 p.m.

Thurs. 28th: Beppe Gambetta (I), Out To Lunch Festival, Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, +44 2890 232403; lunchtime show, £5.00 (incl. lunch)
Buddy Mondlock with Mike Lindauer (USA), the Crane Bar, 2 Sea Road, Galway city; +353 91 587419. Set: 9.30 p.m.

Fri. 29th: Beppe Gambetta (I), Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Fingal, Co. Dublin, +353 1 802 0898

Fri. 29th-Sun. 31st: Colfer's American Country, Bluegrass, and Roots Music Festival, Colfer's bar, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; Beppe Gambetta (Italy), Buddy Mondlock with Mike Lindauer (USA), Paul Lamb & Johnny Dickinson (UK), the Molly Hicks, Frankie Lane, Woodbine, the Sullivan Brothers, Des Browne; full programme here

Sat. 30th: Dangem Monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, 9.30 a.m.-noon; all welcome; details on Dangem website
Mad Uncle Harry, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; free

Sun. 31st: Grammy Awards


FEBRUARY 2010

Mon. 1st: Beppe Gambetta (I), Kilworth Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, +353 87 792 1771

Tues. 2nd: Beppe Gambetta (I), Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

Thurs. 4th: Transatlantic Sessions Tour (Aly Bain, Jerry Douglas, Sara Watkins, Dan Tyminski, Eddi Reader, Tim O’Brien, Darrell Scott, Karen Matheson, Bruce Molsky, Cara Dillon), Belfast Waterfront, 7.30 p.m., £24.50
Beppe Gambetta (I), The Crane, Sea Road, Galway, +353 91 587419

Thurs. 4th-Sun. 7th: Thirty-Sixth Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & 27th National Convention & Band Championship, Nashville, TN

Fri. 5th-Sat. 6th: Beppe Gambetta (I) (Sun.), Culdaff Inishowen Guitar Festival, McGrory's, Culdaff, Inishowen, Co. Donegal, +353 (0)74 937 9104

Fri. 12th: I Draw Slow, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, doors 8.30 p.m. €10

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: FOAOTMAD Old-Time Music Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England: Slate Mountain Ramblers (USA), more TBC

Sat. 13th: Clive Barnes, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; free
Kinvara Area Music Collective Mardi Gras, Kinvara Community Centre, Co. Galway: Awsum Adudu (Afro-Funk band), Analogue Band (country and traditional rock), and Gone To Grass (bluegrass); food, bar, fancy-dress parade; €10

Sun. 14th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Le Cirk (upstairs), Dame St., Dublin 2 (BMB on c.9.00 p.m.; show starts 8.00 p.m.)

Thurs. 18th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Roisin Dubh, Galway city

Fri. 19th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Dolan's Warehouse, Limerick city; 8.00 p.m.; €21

Sat. 20th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), The Tripod, Dublin
L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Tupelo, the Village, 26 Wexford St., Dublin 2

Sun. 21st: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Cyprus Avenue, Cork city

Mon. 22nd: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Spring & Airbrake, Belfast

Wed. 24th: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Crane Bar, Galway city

Thurs. 25th: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Fri. 26th: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Knocklofty House, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Fri. 26th-Sun. 28th: Second Dangem Banjo Camp, Corr's Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim; £120; see BIB post of 1 Feb.

Sat. 27th: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), the Lodge, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 10.00 p.m.

Sun. 28th: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down


MARCH 2010

Tues. 2nd: L'Angelus (USA: Cajun), Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo town

Sat. 6th: Woodbine, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 10.30 p.m.

Fri. 12th: Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Loughrey’s, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 10.00 p.m.

Sat. 13th: Little Ass Birds, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; free
Mad Uncle Harry, Patrick's, Ennis, Co. Clare
Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Murtha’s Pub, Multyfarnam, Co. Westmeath, 10.00 p.m. (first of a series of monthly sessions)

Sun. 14th: Two Time Polka, Cork St Patrick's Festival, Cork city centre, Grand Parade Boardwalk. Open air. Kickoff 4.00 p.m.
Mad Uncle Harry, Neachtains, Galway city

Mon. 15th: Crooked Still (USA), Roisin Dubh, Galway city

Tues. 16th: Crooked Still (USA), Whelan's, Wexford St., Dublin 2

Wed. 17th: Two Time Polka, Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford. Kickoff 1.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303.
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 5.00 p.m.
Mad Uncle Harry, the Black Box, Galway city
Gone to Grass, Mill Times Hotel, Town Centre, Westport, Co. Mayo. Early gig 4.00 p.m.
Blood Red Mountain Band, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, 4.00 p.m.; €4 (adults), €2 (children over 5 yrs), or free (under 5 yrs)

Thurs. 18th: Crooked Still (USA), Dolan's Warehouse, Limerick city

Fri. 19th: Crooked Still (USA), 'Late Late show' appearance, RTE TV
Mad Uncle Harry, the Crane, Galway city
Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Loughrey's, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 10.30 p.m.

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: Spells Springtime Bluegrass Fest, Spells Bar, Pound St., Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon: Hickory Wind (Friday); Gone to Grass (Saturday); Moonshine (Sunday)

Sat. 20th: Crooked Still (USA), Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Bending the Strings, Park House Hotel, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, supporting Billie Joe Spears and Georgette Jones, 8.00 p.m.
Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Greville Arms Hotel 'Ulysses', Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 10.00 p.m.

Tues. 23rd: Jane McNamee, Vinny Baker, and Tom Hanway on RTE's Pat Kenny show (10.00 a.m.-noon; scheduled for 11.00, but may be earlier; rescheduled from Mon. 22nd as originally announced)

Thurs. 25th: Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, the Cobblestone, 77 North King St., Dublin 7, 8.30 p.m. €10. With Factor One (Andrew Basquille & Padraic Gilligan); Crosby Tyler (USA)

Sat. 27th: A Band called Wanda (folk band, Galway), Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; free
Mad Uncle Harry, Tess Burke's, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary
Bending the Strings, the Bluegrass Sessions, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Well Enough Alone, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.; support from Way Back When; €5


APRIL 2010

Thurs. 1st: Two Time Polka, the LV Bar, MacCurtain St., Cork. Doors open 9.00 p.m. Adm. €8. Tickets available from the bar. Tel. 021 4552615

Fri. 2nd: 4 Wheel Drive (D/NL/BE), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down

Sat. 3rd: Mad Uncle Harry, KAM, Kinvara, Co. Galway
4 Wheel Drive (D/NL/BE), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 3rd: (daytime) 4 Wheel Drive, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Easter Sun. 4th: Two Time Polka, O'Flahertys Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Kickoff 4.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983.
(daytime) 4 Wheel Drive, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
(evening) 4 Wheel Drive, house concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
I Draw Slow, the Sugar Club, Leeson St., Dublin 2; support by the Blood Red Mountain Band. Doors 8.00 p.m. Adm. €12

Easter Mon. 5th: Two Time Polka, Ceol on the Coast, the Bayview Bar, Kilcrohane, Co. Cork. Kickoff 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 027 67981
(daytime) 4 Wheel Drive, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Mon. 5th-Fri. 9th: Sore Fingers Week, Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire, England

Mon. 5th-Sun. 11th: Berklee College of Music's 2nd annual 'Berklee in Dublin' week: improvisation workshops and scholarship auditions, Newpark Music Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

Tues. 6th: (daytime) 4 Wheel Drive, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 7th: 4 Wheel Drive, Damer Court Hotel, Castle St., Roscrea, Co. Tipperary; tel. 0505 23300

Wed. 7th-Sun. 11th: Irish National Guitar Festival, Drogheda, Co. Louth; Sophia Johnson (9th-11th) (UK), Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals (9th)

Thurs. 8th: 4 Wheel Drive, Colfer's bar, Carrick-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Fri. 9th: 4 Wheel Drive, Knocklofty House, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Sat. 10th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Prairie Dawgs, the Annulments: Tumbleweed Love Sessions, the Cobblestone, Dublin, from 8.00 p.m. €8.00

Sat. 17th: Molly Hicks, Johnston’s Hall, Main St., Kinvara, Co. Galway; doors open 8.00 p.m.; admission €10/8 (members/concessions)

Sun. 18th: Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, Grand Hotel, Moate, Co. Westmeath; €10

Sat. 24th: Dangem monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL; 9.30/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon

Thurs. 29th: Uncle Monk (USA), the Village, Dublin

Thurs. 29th-Sun. 2nd May: MerleFest, Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Fri. 30th: Uncle Monk (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city
Session Americana (USA), McGrory's Back Room, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
Janet Holmes, Ivan Muirhead, and Colin Henry, Alexander Arms, Limavady, Co. Londonderry

Fri. 30th-Mon. 3rd May: Guinness Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival, Kilkenny city


MAY 2010

Sat. 1st: Foghorn Stringband (USA) tour of Scotland, Denmark, and Ireland begins (details TBA)
Uncle Monk (USA), Dolan's, Limerick city
Hot Club of Cowtown (USA), the Black Box, Belfast (Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival)
Session Americana (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Bluestack Mountain Boys, Kingston Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, 9.30 p.m.
Two Time Polka, O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel: 021 4369387

Sun. 2nd: Uncle Monk (USA), Rhythm & Roots Festival, Kilkenny city
Hot Club of Cowtown (USA), Rhythm & Roots Festival, Kilkenny city
Session Americana (USA), The Crane Bar, Galway city
Bending the Strings, Loughrey's Lounge, Main St., Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Two Time Polka, O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel: 021 4369387
Gráda, Jim O’Connell Festival, Crossakiel, Co. Meath

Mon. 3rd: Uncle Monk (USA), Colfer's, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford
Hot Club of Cowtown (USA), Rhythm & Roots Festival, Kilkenny city

Tues. 4th: Uncle Monk (USA), De Barra's, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Session Americana (USA), Kilworth Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Wed. 5th: Uncle Monk (USA), The Pavilion, Cork city
Session Americana (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 6th: Uncle Monk (USA), Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast
Session Americana (USA), The Cherrytree, Walkinstown, Dublin

Thurs. 6th-Sun. 9th: Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork: I Draw Slow, many others

Fri. 7th: Uncle Monk (USA), The Playhouse, Derry city
Session Americana (USA), Glens Arts Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Sligo
Gráda, Dolan’s Pub, Limerick city
Sullivan Bros & Brand New Companions: album launch, Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare, 9.30 p.m.

Sat. 8th: Uncle Monk (USA), Barry's, Grange, Co. Sligo
Session Americana (USA), Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town

Sun. 9th: Uncle Monk (USA), Matt Molloy's, Westport, Co. Mayo (TBC)
Session Americana (USA), Dolan's, Limerick city

Wed. 12th: Gráda, The Pavilion Theatre, Cork city

Thurs. 13th: Prison Love, Clonmel World Music launch, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Gráda, Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo

Thurs. 13th-Sat. 15th: 13th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands

Fri. 14th: Athy Bluegrass Music Association launch party for the 2010 festival (see 8-11 July), Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 14th-Sat. 15th: 8th Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl, Germany

Wed. 19th: The Wilders (USA), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 20th: The Wilders (USA), Town Hall, Bangor, Co. Down
County Line, O’Shea's Merchant Pub, Merchant Quay, Dublin city, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 21st: The Wilders (USA), Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry
Gráda, The Button Factory, Dublin city
County Line (USA), Penny Hill Pub, Lucan, Co. Dublin, 9.00 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: The Wilders (USA), Market Place Theatre, Armagh city
County Line (USA), The Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, 9.00 p.m.

Sun. 23rd: The Wilders (USA), Black Box, Belfast
Gráda, Roisin Dubh, Galway city
County Line (USA), O’Shea's Merchant Pub, Merchant Quay, Dublin city, 10.00 p.m.

Mon. 24th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Tues. 25th: The Wilders (USA), Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Midleton Folk Club, McDaid's, Midleton, Co. Cork

Wed. 26th: The Wilders (USA), Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara, Co. Donegal
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Treacy's, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
County Line (USA), Gallagher’s Pub, Kilkishen, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 27th: The Wilders (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin - SOLD OUT
Sharon Cort Band (USA), live on Ralph McLain's BBC show

Fri. 28th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Bridge Bar, Ramelton, Co. Donegal
County Line (USA), Castlebar Tennis Club, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.

Sat. 29th: County Line (USA), Geraghty’s Pub, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.
Sharon Cort Band (USA), the Brass Monkey, Newry, Co. Down
Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Island Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to noon

Sun. 30th: County Line (USA), Mannion’s Pub, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.00 p.m.
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Hugh Lynch's, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Mon. 31st: Sharon Cort Band (USA), the Shed, Killyleagh, Co. Down. House concert: admission by invitation only


JUNE 2010

Wed. 2nd: Po' Girl with J.T. Nero (Canada), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: Coastline Bluegrass Music Event, Plas Uchaf Farm, near Llandudno Junction, north Wales

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: Life Festival 2010, Belvedere Parkland Gardens, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath: includes the Bluestack Mountain Boys/Bluegrass Brothers

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, the Beach House and Dann's, Greystones, Co. Wicklow: Niall Toner Band, I Draw Slow, Oxo Boys, Al O'Donnell, the Big Muddy, many more; all events free
Prison Love, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; doors 8.30 p.m.; €10

Sat. 5th: Po' Girl with J.T. Nero (Canada), Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Launch party for 4th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Geraghty's pub, Westport, Co. Mayo: music by the Henry Girls and Sarah & Hubie MacEvilly

Sun. 6th: Po' Girl with J.T. Nero (Canada), the Black Box, Belfast
Niall Toner Band, St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 3.00-5.00 p.m.; admission free (Heritage Ireland Summerfest)

Sat. 12th: Southern Welfare, Kitty Kiernans pub, 40 Barrack St., Waterford city, 10.30 p.m.; 085-2877692; adm. free

Sun. 13th: Two Time Polka, Crosshaven Folk Festival, Co. Cork; open-air gig, 5.00 to 7.00 p.m. Adm. free; 'phone 087 6610005.

Fri. 18th: Little Ass Birds, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin. Cowboy boots optional...
Prison Love String Band, McNeill Theatre, Larne Leisure Centre, Larne, Co. Antrim; with Dirty Blues Band; doors open 7.00 p.m., adm. £10/12

Sat. 19th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, the Point Village Market, Dublin 1, 2.00 p.m.
'65s for Burma' concert, National Concert Hall, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.: performances and readings from musicians, writers, etc., including the Niall Toner Band
Tin Box Company, the Halfway House, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, 10.00 p.m.

Sun. 20th: Prison Love String Band, in Summer Solstice on the Square, Naul, Co. Dublin, from 6.30 p.m., free

Wed. 23rd-Sat. 26th: International Bluegrass Music Museum ROMP (River Of Music Party) festival, Owensboro, KY

Fri. 25th-Sun. 27th: 4th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: Coal Porters (USA/UK), Broken String Band, David Hope & the Henchmen, the MacEvillys, Well Enough Alone, Wookalilly, John Taylor, Tim Rogers, Jim Byrne

Sat. 26th: Dangem Bluegrass BBQ, 18.00 to late, Belfast Rowing & Tennis Club, Lockview Road, Stranmillis, Belfast. Deposits (non-refundable) required; price £10.00 per head (£12.00 for steak). Tickets from Billy ('phone 07825565430) or Derek ('phone 07521464125; e-mail)

Sun. 27th: The Fox Hunt (USA), Cork Midsummer Festival

Wed. 30th: The Molly Hicks (full band), Galway Town Hall Theatre, 8.00 p.m.


JULY 2010

Thurs. 1st: Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes (Jim Lauderdale, Jerry Douglas, Mike Compton, Stuart Duncan, Dennis Crouch, Jeff Taylor), Vicar Street, Dublin
Kay and Patrick Crouch of Strictly Clean and Decent (USA), Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork

Fri. 2nd-Sun. 4th: 22nd North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy, north Wales

Sat. 3rd: The Fox Hunt (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Bending the Strings, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar; special 'Independence day American music weekend'. Start time 9.30 p.m.

Sun. 4th: Bending the Strings, St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 3.00-5.00 p.m.; admission free (Heritage Ireland Summerfest)
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, from c.5.30 p.m.
Well Enough Alone: new Sunday night residency at Sin é, Ormond Quay, Dublin 7; 9.00 p.m. till late; €10 pitchers of lager or cider

Tues. 6th: The Fox Hunt (USA), Conway’s, Ramelton, Co. Donegal

Wed. 7th: The Fox Hunt (USA), The Beehive, Ardara, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 8th: The Fox Hunt (USA), (with the Henry Girls): McGrory’s, Culdaff, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 8th-Sun. 11th: 20th Athy Bluegrass Festival, Athy, Co. Kildare: High Plains Tradition (USA), Woodbine, Niall Toner Band, Bending the Strings, Southern Bluegrass Union, Bluestack Mountain Boys, Tom Hanway & his Bluegrass Pals, Well Enough Alone, and the Sullivan Bros & Brand New Companions

Fri. 9th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin: 'In the Round' with Charlie McGettigan
The Fox Hunt (USA), (with the Henry Girls): The Factory Performance Space, Sligo town

Fri. 9th-Sun. 18th: Earagail Arts Festival, Co. Donegal; The Fox Hunt (USA), others TBC

Sat. 10th: Tim Hawkins (fiddle) and Richard Hawkins (clawhammer banjo), Oxfam Bookshop, Parliament Street, Dublin 2, 2.00-3.00 p.m.
Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Shannonside North Radio, Longford, 11.00 a.m.-noon; Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Geraghty’s, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.
The Fox Hunt (USA), (with the Henry Girls): An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Sun. 11th: Ferguson & Henry, Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 12th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; contact John Nyhan, 087 7921771

Tues. 13th: High Plains Tradition (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; contact Joe Murphy, 068 32485

Wed. 14th: Ferguson & Henry, De Barra's, Clonakilty, west Cork, 9.00 p.m.
High Plains Tradition (USA), Malone's Bar, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; contact Sean Malone, 087 6881650
Bluestack Mountain Boys, Sin é Bar, Ormond Quay, Dublin, 9.00 p.m. ('Rhythm 'n' Booze Night')

Wed. 14th-Sun. 18th: North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, Aberdeen, Scotland; Bruce Molsky, many others

Thurs. 15th: Ferguson & Henry, Croc an Oir, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, 9.00 p.m.
High Plains Tradition (USA), Colfer's Bar, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; contact John Murphy, 051 561159

Fri. 16th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo; contact Tom Lyons, 087 2296018
Blood Red Mountain Band, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; 9.00 p.m., €8

Fri. 16th-Sun. 18th: Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal; High Plains Tradition (USA), Woodbine, Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, others TBA; contact Pat McGill, 087 6900714

Mon. 19th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry with the Tennessee Hennesees, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.
High Plains Tradition (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; contact Sean Mac Philibin, 087 7870138/ 01 8020898

Tues. 20th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, St John’s, Listowel, Co. Kerry: 'In the Round' with Charlie McGettigan, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 21st: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Market House Theatre, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 22nd: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 23rd: Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Ben Paley (USA/UK), Feile Iorras, Belmullet, Co. Mayo; +353 97 81079 (c/o Tony Conway)
Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, 8.30 p.m.
Tom Paxton, Damer Court Hotel, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, 9.00 p.m.; Mick Daly as opening act

Sat. 24th: Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Ben Paley (USA/UK), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; +353 180 20898
Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Town Hall, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Henchy's Bar, St Luke's, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4507833

Sun. 25th: Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Ben Paley (USA/UK), Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; +353 515 61159 (c/o John Murphy)
Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, house concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.00 p.m. (e-mail)
By and By String Band (USA), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; 8.00 p.m. €5
Two Time Polka, Ardmore Pattern Festival, Ardmore, Co. Waterford. Open air. Kickoff 6.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 086 2330810.

Mon. 26th: Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Ben Paley (USA/UK), Gleeson's, Irishtown Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; +353 87 291 3484 (c/o Liam Condon)
Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry with the Tennessee Hennesees, house concert, Killyleagh, Co. Down, 8.00 p.m. (e-mail)

Tues. 27th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Cherry Tree, Walkinstown, Dublin: 'In the Round' with Charlie McGettigan, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 28th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois (as part of Howya Festival, 25 July-2 Aug.)

Thurs. 29th-Sun. 1 Aug.: La Roche Bluegrass Festival, La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France

Fri. 30th: Two Time Polka, Tower Hotel, The Mall, Waterford city. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 870129

Fri. 30th-Sun. 1 Aug.: Guildtown Bluegrass Festival, Guildtown, Scotland

Sat. 31st: Two Time Polka, The Kazbar. John St., Waterford city. Kickoff 5.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 843730
Sat. 31st: Two Time Polka, The Three Shippes, William St., Waterford city. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 852006
I Draw Slow, the Cobblestone. Doors 8.30; €12


AUGUST 2010

Sun. 1st: Two Time Polka, AOL Stage, John Roberts Square, Waterford city. Open air. 3.15-4.15 p.m. Adm. free.

Sun. 1st-Mon. 2nd: Woodbine, at the Irish Steam Preservation Society's Steam Rally, Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois; 2.00 p.m. each day.

Mon. 2nd: Niall Toner Band, St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 3.00-5.00 p.m.; admission free (Heritage Ireland Summerfest)
Two Time Polka, O'Flaherty's Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. 4.00-6.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983

Wed. 4th-Sun. 8th: Appalachian String Band Music Festival, Clifftop, West Virginia

Thurs. 5th: Woodbine, Tuohy's, Rathdowney, Co. Laois, 9.00 p.m.

Sat. 7th: 'Bluegrass on the Walls', Derry city, afternoon (Woodbine, Niall Toner Band, Broken String Band, Acoustic Grass, Clew Bay Critters); plus 'Maiden Grass' (all-female bluegrass and bluegrass-related concert: Janet Holmes, Eilidh Patterson, Wookalily), 7.30 p.m. in the Junction, Bishop St. (as part of Maiden City Festival)
Two Time Polka, BBQ at Seafield Hotel, Ballymoney, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Kickoff 6.00 p.m. Adm. adults €29.95 / children €15.00. Tel. 053-9424000

Sun. 8th: Bending the Strings, St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 3.00-5.00 p.m.; admission free (Heritage Ireland Summerfest)
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Indie'Go World Music Festival, Fenagh, Co. Carlow

Tues. 10th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on-Barrow, Co. Wexford

Wed. 11th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Rockies Club, Blackrock, Cork

Fri. 13th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Corrigan's Kitchen, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan

Sat. 14th: Two Time Polka, O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4369387

Sun. 15th: Two Time Polka, O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 8.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4369387
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Private event, Cork
Southern Welfare, outdoor gig with barbecue, Hayes' bar, Bunmahon, Co. Waterford, 5.00 p.m.

Wed. 18th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 19th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Fri. 20th: Sharon Cort Band (USA), Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Sat. 21st: Niall Toner Band, Wood Quay Amphitheatre, Dublin City Council Offices behind Christ Church cathedral, Dublin: four 20-minute spots between 12.30 and 4.30 p.m. (part of Dublin Viking Festival)
Bending the Strings at Nutgrove Shopping Centre, south Dublin, 6.00 p.m. (part of Nutfest 2010)
Sharon Cort Band (USA), Co. Donegal (TBD)

Sun. 22nd: Niall Toner Band, Wood Quay Amphitheatre, Dublin City Council Offices behind Christ Church cathedral, Dublin: four 20-minute spots between 12.30 and 4.30 p.m. (part of Dublin Viking Festival)
Two Time Polka, Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford. Open air. Kickoff 3.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303.
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 8.00 p.m. [not beginning at 5.00 or 6.00, as stated earlier]
Sharon Cort Band (USA), house concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (TBC)
Two Time Polka, Castle Grounds, Macroom, Co. Cork (Lughnasa Festival). Programme starts at 8.00 p.m.; band on stage c.10.30 p.m. Adm. €12. Tel. 086 1226300. Tickets also available from Ui Chroinins, Plugged Records, An Realt Dearg, and www.tickets.ie.

Wed. 25th-Sun. 29th: 16th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Jack Grace Band (USA), Knotty Pine, Wookalily, the Molly Hicks, Southern Tenant Folk Union, Bending the Strings, Sullivan Brothers & Sean McKerr, Little Ass Birds, Blue Stack Mountain Boys, TXUTXUKAN, Southern Welfare, Woodbine (links on festival website), Sharon Cort Band (USA)

Fri. 27th: Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209.
Woodbine, Kavanagh's, Main St., Portlaoise, 9.30 p.m.

Mon. 30th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Doors: 8.00 p.m. Tickets €15. Booking: 086 3389619/087 9107201

Tues. 31st: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), the Crane Bar, 2 Sea Road, Galway. Doors 9.00 p.m. Tickets €12.50. Booking: 091 587419


SEPTEMBER 2010

Wed. 1st: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Doors: 7.30 p.m. Tickets €15/ E12 conc. Booking: 094 9023733

Thurs. 2nd: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), the Cobblestone, 77 North King St., Smithfield, Dublin 7: album launch. Doors 8.30 p.m. Tickets €12.
The Dust Busters (USA), the Crane Bar, Galway city, 9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 2nd-Sun. 5th: Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England

Fri. 3rd: The Dust Busters (USA), Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.45 p.m.
Prison Love, Village Hall Stage, after midnight (as part of Electric Picnic)

Fri. 3rd-Sun. 5th: 19th Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Gibson Brothers (USA), Dale Ann Bradley (USA), Dixie Bee-Liners (USA), Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams, dobro) (USA), Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Phil Rosenthal (USA), Blackjack (CZ), Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), many more (see flyer)

Sat. 4th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell St., Drogheda, Co. Louth. Folk music workshop 3.30 p.m., followed by concert 9.00 p.m. Booking: 041 983 3946; e-mail. Workshop & concert €25/ Advance booking (concert only) €18/ at the door €22/ conc. €16
Dublin's In the Round songwriters' showcase, with Enda Reilly, Aoife Moriarty, Pearse McGloughlin, Aisling Kavanagh; support from Shane Regan; the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, 9.00 p.m.; admission €8, proceeds to Concern's Pakistan Flood Relief Fund

Sun. 5th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh (as part of Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival)
The Dust Busters (USA), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Mon. 6th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast; Northern Ireland album launch, Doors: 7.30 p.m. Tickets £10. Booking: +44 (0)28 9024 4400
Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth (near Fermoy), Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; booking/ inquiries tel. 087 7921771 or 087 6492514

Tues. 7th: Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; booking/ inquiries tel. 068 22566
Cedar Hill (USA), Blackrock GAA Club, Cork

Tues. 7th-Sun. 12th: Open House Festival, Belfast; Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), Dave Rawlings Machine (USA), Hayseed Dixie (USA), Pokey Lafarge & the South City 3 (USA), Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), many others

Wed. 8th: Cedar Hill (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on Bannow, Co. Wexford
Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) (USA), Market House (Malone's), Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; 9.30 p.m.; booking/ inquiries tel. 087 6881650

Thurs. 9th: Showing of documentary film dir. by Jacob Penchansky: The mountain music project: a musical odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya (57m, USA); 4.45 p.m., O'Keeffe's Bar, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (as part of International Film Festival of Ireland; 4-11 Sept.)
Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, 9.30 p.m.; booking/ inquiries tel. 051 561159 or 087 8200986

Fri. 10th: American session at McHugh's, Belfast; adm. free, 4.00-7.00 p.m. (part of Open House Festival)

Sat. 11th: Ragged and Rough String Band, old-time session at the John Hewitt, Belfast; adm. free, 3.00-6.00 p.m. (part of Open House Festival)

Sun. 12th: Ragged and Rough String Band, old-time session at McHugh's, Belfast; adm. free, 2.00-5.00 p.m. (part of Open House Festival)
Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, Hugh Lynch’s Lounge, Tullamore, Co. Offaly; doors 8.30 p.m., adm. €10

Mon. 13th: Pokey Lafarge & the South City 3 (USA), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Wed. 15th-Sun. 19th: Galway Americana Festival; contact Pete Lamb by e-mail

Thurs. 16th: Two Time Polka, the Church Restaurant, Bridge St., Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. €40 (covers four-course meal, bottle of wine for two sharing, red-carpet reception. Limit 90 places. Tel. 028 23625; part of the A Taste of West Cork Food Festival)

Fri. 17th: Two Time Polka, Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209.

Sat. 18th: The Molly Hicks, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.45 p.m.

Sun. 19th: Two Time Polka, De Barra's, Pearse St., Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Kickoff 5.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 023 8833381 (part of Clonakilty International Guitar Festival)

Thurs. 23rd: Chatham County Line (USA), Errigle Inn, Belfast
The McGrane Family + guests: Americana/folk music session, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum Road, Dundrum, south Dublin; 5:59-9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 23rd-Sun. 26th: 9th Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Longford town, Co. Longford: Rodney Crowell, Iris Dement, Mountain Heart, Brian Kennedy, Gerry O'Connor, Chris Meehan & his Redneck Friends, Niall Toner Band, We Banjo 3 (featuring Enda Scahill & Leon Hunt), Shaskeen, Rig the Jig, Tupelo, Bending the Strings, George Harper Band, Juliet Turner, Jiri Kralik & the Rowdy Rascals

Fri. 24th: Chatham County Line (USA), Cleeves, Kilkenny
Knotty Pine String Band, 'Bluegrass Cajun Night', Market Place Theatre, Armagh, 8.00 p.m. (contact theatre for tickets)
Mad Uncle Harry, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.45 p.m.

Sat. 25th: Chatham County Line (USA), Crawdaddy, Dublin

Sat. 25th-Sun. 26th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Gateway Festival

Mon. 27th-Sun. 3rd Oct.: IBMA's World of Bluegrass (Business Conference/Trade Fair, Awards Show, Fan Fest), Nashville, TN; the event of the bluegrass year on Planet Earth

Tues. 28th: Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters (featuring Roger Williams on dobro) (USA), the Mary B. pub, Lower Main St., Arklow, Co. Wicklow; 9.00-11.00 p.m. Adm. €10; tickets and inquiries 0402-23963

Thurs. 30th: Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, the Stables, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath


OCTOBER 2010

Fri. 1st-Sun. 3rd: 2nd Bruff Bluegrass Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Niall Toner Band, Woodbine, the Bluestack Mountain Boys, Southern Bluegrass Union, Bending the Strings, the Sullivan Brothers, Southern Welfare; full schedule here; contact Michael Hehir by e-mail; mobile 086-0638874

Sat. 2nd: Two Time Polka, Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St., Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4278487. Doors open 9.00 p.m. (part of the Cork Folk Festival)

Tues. 5th: Dakota Dave Hull (USA), guitar workshop, upstairs in Tobergal Lane Restaurant, Sligo town; 7.30-10.00 p.m.; €15 (€12 for concessions)
Ashleigh Flynn (USA), the Mary B. pub, Lower Main St., Arklow, Co. Wicklow; 9.00-11.00 p.m. Adm. €10; tickets and inquiries 0402-23963

Wed. 6th: Dakota Dave Hull (USA), guitar concert, upstairs in Tobergal Lane Restaurant, Sligo town; starts 8.00 p.m.; €15 (€12 for concessions)

Fri. 8th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Lady Belle pub, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, 10.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare, 9.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209.
Prison Love, the Cobblestone, Smithfield Market, Dublin; €10 on the door; 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 15th: Well Enough Alone, the Waterside Bar, Howth, Co. Dublin; 10.30 p.m.-12.30 a.m.

Sat. 16th: Sandy Harsch of Country Time and Niall Toner of Roots Freeway present a live radio show from the Sean O'Casey Community Centre on North Wall, Dublin, with I Draw Slow, the Sick and Indigent Song Club, the NTB, Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor, Miss Paula Flynn. Admission free, but by ticket only, allocated by lottery; book by e-mail (part of RTE's 'Big Music Week', 11-17 Oct.)

Sat. 16th-Sun. 17th: Irish Steel Guitar Festival 2010, Bettystown Court Hotel, Co. Meath (near Drogheda)

Wed. 20th: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Mercantile Hotel, Dame St., Dublin; doors 8.00 p.m.; tel. 01 6707100

Thurs. 21st: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork; 8.30 p.m.; tel. 029 56239, 087 7921771
Niall Toner Band with special guest Sean Garvey (traditional Irish folk singer), Celbridge Library, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, 8.00 p.m. (part of Des Carty Sessions)

Fri. 22nd: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Colfer's Bar, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford; 9.30 p.m.; tel. 087 8200986
Crooked Still (USA), with Alan Kelly Quartet and Eddi Reader, 8.00 p.m., the Model, Sligo; adm. €20.00 (as part of the Sligo Live Sessions)

Fri. 22nd-Mon. 25th: 2nd Balla Bluegrass Weekend, Balla, Co. Mayo: Southern Welfare (Fri.), Molly Hicks (Sat.), Clew Bay Critters, Woodbine (Sun.), Colonel Bullshot Rides Again (Mon.); info from Chris Mannion (094 9365093) or Tom Lyons (087 2296018; 094 9365200; e-mail)

Fri. 22nd-Sun. 24th: Sore Fingers October Weekend (UK)

Sat. 23rd: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), The Venue, O'Donavan's Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork; 9.00 p.m.; tel. 023 8833250
Two Time Polka, McCarthy's Bar, Eden Hall, Model Farm Rd, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4346165 (part of Cork Jazz Festival)

Sun. 24th: Two Time Polka, The Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209 (part of Cork Jazz Festival)
Two Time Polka, Briar Rose Bar, Douglas Rd, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4291686 (part of Cork Jazz Festival)
Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Burncourt Community Centre, Co. Tipperary; 8.00 p.m.; tel. 087 9701653
Hot Club of Cowtown (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork, 3.00 p.m. (part of Cork Jazz Festival)
Well Enough Alone, Sin e, Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, 8.00 p.m. (part of Red Line Roots Festival 2010)
Bluestack Mountain Boys, Pier One Bar & Restaurant, Sarsfield Bridge, Limerick city; 8.30 p.m. till late

Mon. 25th: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; 8.15 p.m.; tel. 087 7921771, 087 6402514
Two Time Polka, Briar Rose Bar, Douglas Rd, Cork. Kickoff 5.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4291686 (part of Cork Jazz Festival)
Hot Club of Cowtown (USA), Button Factory, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 8.30 p.m.

Tues. 26th: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Private function

Wed. 27th: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Private function

Thurs. 28th: Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; 9.00 p.m.; tel. 087 7921771, 086 8464509

Fri. 29th: Southern Welfare, Lady Belle pub, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, 10.00 p.m.
Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Market House/Malone's Bar, Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare; 9.30 p.m.; tel. 087 6881650
Two Time Polka, Henchy's Bar, St Luke's, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4507833.

Sat. 30th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL
Steve Bonafel & One Iota (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo; 9.30 p.m.; tel. 094 9365093, 087 2296018
Two Time Polka, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Open air. Kickoff 2.30 p.m. Adm. free (part of Thurles Halloween Arts Festival)

Sun. 31st: I Draw Slow, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin


NOVEMBER 2010

Thurs. 4th: Woodbine, Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois (charity concert in aid of Irish Guide Dogs, with hypnotherapist Louis Ryan); 8.30 p.m. Tickets (€10) from Anthem Music, Main St., Portlaoise; the Killeshin Hotel; or 087 2776450

Fri. 5th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Lady Belle pub, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, 10.00 p.m.
Well Enough Alone, Waterside Bar, Howth, Co. Dublin, 10.30 p.m.-12.30 a.m.; no door charge

Thurs. 11th: Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, Passion Fruit Theatre, Northgate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath; doors open 8.30 p.m.; adm. €12 (€10 with concession); info 086 3338457

Fri. 12th: Bending the Strings, in 'Poems & promises' concert, St Mary's parish hall, Lanesboro, Co. Longford, organised by Lanesboro Heritage Committee, with many well known traditional musicians. Doors open 7.45; concert starts 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 13th: Brendan Taaffe (USA), singing workshop at Ballymore Hall, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow, 12.30-5.00 p.m.; singing session at Phil Murphy's pub at night. Contact Phil Callery by e-mail for more info
Bluestack Mountain Boys trio (mandolin, guitar, bass), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin 7; as part of Tumbleweed Love Sessions; 9.00 p.m.

Sun. 14th: Brendan Taaffe (USA), singing workshop, CREATE, 10/11 Earl St. South, Dublin, 11.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.

Tues. 16th: Niall Toner Band, Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St., Dublin 2

Wed. 17th: Brendan Taaffe (USA), singing workshop, the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 7.30-9.30 p.m. €10

Thurs. 18th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; +44(0)28 8224 7831
Sara Watkins (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2

Fri. 19th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Hair of the Dog, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh; +44(0)28 6638 6228
Sara Watkins (USA), Errigle Inn, Belfast

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: Country & Bluegrass Weekend, Arlington Hotel, Batchelors Walk, Dublin 1: Fri., Cotton Pickin Rodeo Clowns, 10.00-11.00 p.m.; Prison Love, 11.00 p.m.-1.00 a.m.; Sat., Prairie Dawgs, 6.00-8.00 p.m.; Cujo Family, 8.00-10.00 p.m.; Sun., Red Star String Band, 5.00-6.00 p.m.; I Draw Slow, 7.00-9.00 p.m. For more info, e-mail or telephone 01-8049100

Sat. 20th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; +353(0)1 802 0898
Sara Watkins (USA), Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, Co. Down
Brendan Taaffe (USA), singing workshop (10.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.) and solo concert (7.30 p.m.), Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast

Sun. 21st: Jeff & Vida (USA), Tally Ho, Longford town, Co. Longford; +353(0)43 49907

Mon. 22nd: Jeff & Vida (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; +353(0)87 792 1771
Brendan Taaffe (USA), singing workshop, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 7.30 p.m.

Wed. 24th: Jeff & Vida (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; +353(0)68 22566

Thurs. 25th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Merry’s, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford; +353(0)91 587419

Fri. 26th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Colfer’s Pub, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford; +353(0)51 561159
Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Sat. 27th: DanGe Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30/10.00 a.m.-12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim
Jeff & Vida (USA), Geraghty’s Pub, Westport, Co. Mayo; +353(0)9825150

Tues. 30th: Jeff and Vida (USA), Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St., Dublin 2 [cancelled]


DECEMBER 2010

Wed. 1st: Jeff & Vida (USA), Errigle Inn, Belfast; +44(0)28 90 641410

Sat. 4th: Niall Toner Band, Athy Community Arts Centre, Woodstock St., Athy, Co. Kildare [cancelled; for rescheduling to Feb. 2011]

Tues. 7th: Bluegrass in Belfast, upstairs at the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, 8.30 p.m.; all welcome (first session of a proposed monthly series)

Fri. 10th: Niall Toner Band, Shannon Airport, Co. Clare; adm. free

Sat. 11th: Niall Toner Band; support by Rosie Byrne, Mary B. bar, Lower Main St., Arklow, 9.00 p.m; admission €10 (part of Mary B. Sessions series)
Little Ass Birds, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo, 10.00 p.m.; adm. free

Sat. 18th: The Molly Hicks (full five-piece ensemble), Crane Bar, Galway, 9.30 p.m. upstairs; special guests

Sun. 19th: I Draw Slow, Sugar Club, Leeson St., Dublin 2; doors 8.30 p.m.; admission €12

Thurs. 23rd: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois [cancelled owing to weather conditions]

Tues. 28th: Dublin Bluegrass Christmas Party, Sweeney's Bar, Dame St., Dublin 2: Well Enough Alone, Jacques Titley, Bluestack Mountain Boys, special surprise guests; 9.00 p.m. till close; adm. free

Fri. 31st: New Year's Eve Bluegrass Ball: Ruth Dillon (guitar/vocals), Tom Hanway (banjo/guitar/vocals), and Paul O'Driscoll (double bass/vocals), special guests; McGinn's on the Quay, 2 New Dock St., Galway city, 9.30 p.m.

JANUARY 2011

Sat. 1st: Well Enough Alone, Waterside Pub, Howth, Co. Dublin, 10.00 p.m., adm. free

Sun. 2nd: Two Time Polka, O'Flahertys Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. 4.00-6.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983

Tues. 4th: Bluegrass in Belfast, upstairs at the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, 8.30 p.m.; all welcome (second session in the new monthly series)

Wed. 5th-Sun. 30th: Out to Lunch Arts Festival, Belfast (see 19, 23 Jan.)

Sat. 8th: Launch party for the new Mohill Bluegrass Festival, at Clarke's Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim: Bending the Strings; further information from Tommy Kelleher on e-mail or Facebook

Tues. 11th: Dr Fox's Old Timey String Band, Old Oak, 113 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork city

Wed. 12th: Special Consensus (USA), on 'Today with Pat Kenny', RTE Radio One
Special Consensus (USA), Barry's Pub, Grange, Co. Sligo; +353 (0)71 917 3111
Southern Welfare, Grattan Bar, Bridge St., Waterford city, 9.00 p.m. (first of a new weekly series)

Thurs. 13th: Special Consensus (USA), the Braids Arts Centre, Ballymena, Co. Antrim; +44 (0)28 2563 5900
Lena Ullman (banjo player with Moonshine, Higglers Jug Band, &c.), Liam O Riain's Bar, Ballina, Co. Tipperary

Thurs. 13th-Sun. 16th: Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; Special Consensus (USA) (Sun.), Frankie Lane & Paul Kelly, many others (full programme here)

Thurs. 13th-Sun. 30th: Celtic Connections festival, Glasgow, Scotland; many bluegrass-related acts

Fri. 14th: Special Consensus (USA), Marketplace Theatre, Armagh city (with Cajun dinner at 6.30 p.m.); +44 (0)28 3752 1821

Sat. 15th: Special Consensus (USA), Seamus Ennis Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; +353 (0)1 802 0898
Bluestack Mountain Boys, Geraghty's, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; 9.00 p.m.; adm. free

Sun. 16th: Special Consensus (USA): gospel set (a.m.) and evening concert at the Courthouse, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare (as part of Sixmilebridge Winter Music Weekend); +353 (0)86 846 4509

Mon. 17th: Special Consensus (USA), Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; +353 (0)87 792 1771

Tues. 18th: Special Consensus (USA), Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St., Dublin 2; +353 (0)1 670 7100

Wed. 19th: Special Consensus (USA), the Black Box, Belfast: lunch-hour and evening concerts; +44 (0)28 90 244400 (part of Out to Lunch Arts Festival)

Thurs. 20th: Robirohi (EST), Markethill Courthouse, Main St., Markethill, Co. Armagh, 7.45 p.m. (first of two shows). Adm. £5.00
Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, Abbey Centre, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m. (as part of Ballyshannon Folk Festival)
Bluestack Mountain Boys: as part of the Dimestore Recordings in Sweeney's, 32 Dame St., Dublin 2, featuring three floors of live music. Adm. free

Fri. 21st: Robirohi (EST), Markethill Courthouse, Main St., Markethill, Co. Armagh, 7.45 p.m. (second of two shows). Adm. £5.00
Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, McGrory’s, Culdaff, Co. Donegal, 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, Nesbitt Arms, Ardara, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 23rd: Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, the Black Box, Belfast, 1.00/2.00 p.m. (part of Out to Lunch Arts Festival)

Wed. 26th: Special Consensus (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; +353 (0)68 22566

Thurs. 27th: Clonmel World Music presents Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; doors 8.00 p.m., bands on stage at 9.00 p.m. sharp. Tickets €15 from Premier Music Centre, Clonmel

Fri. 28th: Special Consensus (USA), the Crane Bar, Galway city; +353 (0)91 587419
Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 28th-Sat. 29th: Southern Welfare - Bluegrass Weekend (session, Friday; show with PA, Saturday), the Olde Forge pub, Killoe, Co. Longford; admission free

Sat. 29th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30-10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL: all welcome
'Transatlantic sessions', with Jerry Douglas, Tim O'Brien, Dirk Powell, Russ Barenberg, many others; Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m. Tickets €39.70
Fox Hunt (USA) and Henry Girls, Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m.
Special Consensus (USA), Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 30th: Colfer's annual Country, Americana, and Bluegrass event - Special Consensus (USA), Tom Hanway (USA), Sullivan Brothers, Des Browne, Woodbine, Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, +353 (0)51 561159
Fox Hunt (USA), Sandino's, Derry city, 9.00 p.m.


FEBRUARY 2011

Wed. 2nd: Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives (USA), the Helix, Dublin

Thurs. 3rd-Sun. 6th: 37th Anniversary SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards and 28th National Convention, Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, TN

Mon. 7th: Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), McDaid's bar, Midleton, Co. Cork, 9.30 p.m.

Tues. 8th: Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Wed. 9th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £13; box office + 44 (0) 28 8224 7831
Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), McKenna's bar, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan

Thurs. 10th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £10/£8 concs; box office +44 (0) 28 7083 1400
Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), Dolan’s (upstairs), Limerick city

Fri. 11th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal; 8.30 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; box office +353 (0)74 913 1840
Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), Glor Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare

Sat. 12th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; box office +353 (0)71 985 5833
Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Woodbine, the Horseshoe Inn, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Sun. 13th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets €15/€12 concs; box office +353 (0)21 481 2790
Joy Kills Sorrow (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, 8.30 p.m.

Mon. 14th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Kilworth Village Arts Centre, Co. Cork; 8.15 p.m. onstage; tickets €15; bookings/info: John Nyhan +353(0)87 792 1771

Tues. 15th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Mercantile Hotel, Dame St, Dublin 2 + guests; 8.00 p.m. doors; tickets €15 from www.oldflattop.com, Ticketmaster Outlets or WAV 1890 200 078

Wed. 16th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Arnie & Sharon's, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets £10; bookings by e-mail or +44 (0)774 7120659 (call after 6.00 p.m. only)

Thurs. 17th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), St John’s Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; 8.00 p.m. onstage; tickets tbc; box office +353 (0)68 22566

Fri. 18th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down; 8.00 p.m. doors; tickets £8; box office +44 (0)28 9181 0803

Fri. 18th-Sun. 20th: FOAOTMAD Old-Time Music Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England: the Mainly Mountain Boys with Fiddle 'n' Feet dancer Tamara Loewenthal (USA), Jock Tyldesley & Vera Van Heeringen (UK), more TBA

Fri. 18th-Sun. 20th: 3rd European Bluegrass Summit, Bühl, Germany

Sat. 19th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Market Place Theatre, Armagh; 8.30 p.m. onstage; tickets £15 (or £27 including Cajun dinner); box office +44 (0)28 3752 1821

Sun. 20th: 'Music in the Bar' at Blackrock National Hurling Club, Cork, 9.00-11.00 p.m.: Ray Barron, Hank Wedell, Marian Bradfield. Adm. free

Wed. 23rd-Sun. 27th: 7th annual Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival and Song Writing Convention, Belfast

Thurs. 24th: Nanci Griffith (USA) with Janet Holmes (as part of Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival and Song Writing Convention)

Sat. 26th: Dangem monthly bluegrass get-together, 9.30-10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon; Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Wookalily, the Locke Bar, 2A George's Quay, Limerick city


MARCH 2011

Tues. 1st: Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs at the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast; starts about 8.30 p.m.; all welcome

Mon. 7th: Little Ass Birds, live on 'The Green Room' radio show, Newstalk with Orla Barry, 10.00 p.m. to 12.00 p.m. (band will be on between 11.15 p.m. and 11.50 p.m.)

Tues. 8th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Filthy McNastys, Belfast; free, 7.30 p.m.; 07966 107342

Wed. 9th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), house concert, Northern Ireland: sold out

Thurs. 10th-Fri. 11th: Robirohi (EST), shows TBC

Thurs. 10th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Monroe’s Tavern, Galway; €6, 9.00 p.m.; +353 8688 39100
Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, with the Basquilles, Mercantile Hotel, Dame Street, Dublin 2; details here

Fri. 11th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; €16, 7.30 p.m.; +353 1 802 0898
Little Ass Birds, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, doors 9.00 p.m.; support from ukulele duo Helena & Nora.

Fri. 11th-Sun. 13th: Spell's Springtime Bluegrass Fest, Spells Bar, Ballaghadreen, Co. Mayo: Colonel Bullshot Rides Again, Fri. 11th, 9.30 p.m.; Gone to Grass (Pete Lamb, vocals, guitar; Tom Portman, Dobro; Paul O'Driscoll, double bass), Sat. 12th (session 5.30 p.m., show 9.30 p.m.); the Higglers, Sun. 13th, 9.00 p.m.; session 5.30 p.m.; info 094 9860144; all events adm. free

Sat. 12th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim; €15, 8.30 p.m.; +353 71 9855833
Bending the Strings (with Gerry Madden), Copper Kettle Inn, Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan

Sun. 13th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Nancy Blake’s, Limerick; free, 6.30 p.m.; +353 61 416443

Mon. 14th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork; €12/15, 8.15 p.m.; +353 (0)87 7921771

Tues. 15th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; €12/15, 8.00 p.m.; +353 (0)86 8464509

Wed. 16th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; €15, 8.00 p.m.; +353 068 22566
Prison Love, Craddog (Irish trad), Toby Reiser Quartet (a capella gospel), plus DJ Christine Beep Beep, the Grand Social, Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin 1; doors 8.30 p.m.–2.30 a.m.; €10

Thurs. 17th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 5.30 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford. Kickoff 1.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303
The McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, and guests, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum Road, Dundrum, south Dublin; from 9.30 p.m. All welcome.

Thurs. 17th-Sun. 20th: Wild West Weekend at Kenny's Bar, Lahinch, Co. Clare: Prairie Dawgs (Thurs. 21:30); Bluestack Mountain Boys (Fri. 22:30); Two Time Polka (Sat. 22:30); Sun. early evening music session (all welcome), followed by Dark Horse Sessions hosted by Quentin Cooper and Eoin O'Neill; plus Wild-West-themed menu. Adm. free. Tel. 065 7081433.

Fri. 18th: Prairie Dawgs, the Locke Bar, 2A George's Quay, Limerick city
Two Time Polka, Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209.
The Molly Hicks, Town Hall Theatre, Galway, 8.00 p.m.; booking 091 569777, online; €13, €9 unwaged

Sat. 19th: Bluestack Mountain Boys, the Locke Bar, 2A George's Quay, Limerick city
Two Time Polka, Kennys Bar, Main St., Lahinch, Co. Clare (as part of Wild West Music Weekend). Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 065 7081433.

Thurs. 24th: Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, J.J. Harlow's Bar, the Square, Roscommon; doors 8.00 p.m.; adm. free

Sat. 26th: DanGem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim, 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.; all welcome
Wookalily, Bound for Boston, Stripes and Stars Festival Launch, Derry city

Thurs. 31st: Southern Welfare and friends, Kinvara, Co. Galway


APRIL 2011

Fri. 1st: Southern Welfare, Clarke's Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, 9.30 p.m.; fundraiser in aid of the 1st Mohill Bluegrass Festival (12-14 Aug. 2011). No admission charge; support of the raffle will be appreciated

Sat. 2nd: Southern Welfare, Lakeside Manor Hotel, Virginia, Co. Cavan
The Higglers in concert, Johnston's Hall, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 8.30 p.m.

Tues. 5th: Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE; 8.00 p.m.; 'phone 028 9064 1410; all welcome

Fri. 8th-Sun. 10th: Thom Bresh (USA), McGrory's, Culdaff, Co. Donegal, +353 (0) 7493 79104

Tues. 12th: Thom Bresh (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; booking and inquiries tel. John @ 087/7921771 or at the door on the night, €15.00

Wed. 13th: The Wiyos (USA), Odessa Club, Dublin (details here)

Thurs. 14th: The Wiyos (USA), on Pat Kenny's radio show, RTE1, between 10.00 and noon
Clonmel World Music presents the Wiyos (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; doors 8.00 p.m., bands on stage at 9.00 p.m. sharp. Tickets €15 from Premier Music Centre, Clonmel; 'phone 052 61 29811.
Wookalily, EP launch at the Real Music Club, Errigle Inn, Belfast

Fri. 15th: The Wiyos (USA), Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town, 7.30 p.m., €15/13

Sat. 16th: The Wiyos (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 17th: The Wiyos (USA), the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.30 p.m.

Mon. 18th: Leinster Entertainers Awards concert, Killashee House Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare, 8.00 p.m.; Bending the Strings to receive award for CD All keyed up

Mon. 18th-Fri. 22nd: Sore Fingers Week (UK)

Tues. 19th: Mohill Bluegrass Festival Fund-Raising Table Quiz in the Canon Donohue Hall, Mohill, 7.30 p.m.; table of 4 €20; raffle on the night

Sat. 23rd: Bluestack Mountain Boys, Sweeny's Mongrel (Le Cirk), 32 Dame Street, Dublin 2: 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. (no cover charge) (Part of 'Sweeny's Birthday' - free music on three floors all night)

Sun. 24th: I Draw Slow, CD launch, Sugar Club, Leeson St., Dublin 2
Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Mon. 25th: Two Time Polka, the Bayview Bar, Kilcrohane, Co. Cork. Kickoff 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 027 67981

Thurs. 28th: Wookalily, Belfast American Folk & Roots Club, Black Box, Belfast

Fri. 29th-Mon. 2 May: 14th Smithwicks Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival

Sat. 30th: DanGem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim, 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.; all welcome
I Draw Slow, Bridgebrook Arms, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny


MAY 2011

Sun. 1st: Southern Welfare, Rivercourt Hotel, John St., Kilkenny, 4.00 p.m.; O’Gormans, John St., Kilkenny, 10.00 p.m. (as part of Smithwicks Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival)
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 5.00 p.m.
Bluestack Mountain Boys, as part of Vantastival (29 Apr.-1 May), Dunany Estate, near Annagassan, Co. Louth: Paddy Mirage Stage, 7.10 p.m.
Two Time Polka, O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4369387

Tues. 3rd: Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE; 8.00 p.m.; 'phone 028 9064 1410; all welcome

Thurs. 5th: I Draw Slow, Dolan's, Limerick city

Thurs. 5th-Sun. 8th: Foghorn Trio (USA), Stephanie Coleman (USA), many more: Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork

Thurs. 5th-Wed. 11th: London Old-Time and Bluegrass Music Week 2011, at venues all over London, England; e-mail Rick Townend

Fri. 6th: Wookalily, No Alibis Bookstore, Belfast
Southern Welfare, Rafters Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

Sat. 7th: Bluegrass Fiddle Basics workshop by Cathy McEvoy at Waltons New School of Music, 69 South Great Georges St., Dublin 2; 3.00–5.30 p.m.; €40
Southern Welfare, Rafters Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

Sun. 8th: I Draw Slow, Crane Lane, Cork city

Mon. 9th: Foghorn Trio (USA), St John’s Theatre, The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; €15/12; tel. 068 22566

Tues. 10th: Foghorn Trio (USA), the Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare 7.30 p.m.; €12/15; 086 8464509

Wed. 11th: Foghorn Trio (USA), Backstage Bar, Monroes Live, Galway city, 10.00 p.m.; €8; support by Noriana Kennedy

Thurs. 12th: Foghorn Trio (USA), Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.; €15.00; tel. 094 9023733

Fri. 13th: Foghorn Trio (USA), Glens Centre, New Line, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 071 9855833; online ticket purchase
The Bonfire Band (UK), Sandinos, Derry city, 8.00 p.m.
I Draw Slow, The Thatch, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Fri. 13th-Sat. 14th: 9th Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl, Germany

Sat. 14th: Foghorn Trio (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Fingal, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m.; €16.00; tel. +353 (0)1 802 0898
I Draw Slow, Billy Byrne's, Kilkenny city

Sun. 15th: Foghorn Trio (USA), The Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; 8.00 p.m.; €10 (double bill with I Draw Slow)]

Mon. 16th: The Bonfire Band (UK), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; contact 07747120659 or e-mail

Tues. 17th: The Bonfire Band (UK), Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 18th-Sun. 22nd: 1st Bath Americana Festival, Bath, England

Thurs. 19th: The Bonfire Band (UK), St Johns Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 20th: Wookalily, The Listening Post, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry

Fri. 20th-Sun. 22nd: Woodbine, Lakeside Manor Hotel, Virginia, Co. Cavan: concerts Friday and Saturday night (10 p.m.), Sunday noon; informal session (pickers and singers welcome) from noon on Saturday; admission free throughout weekend

Sat. 21st: The Wilders (USA), the Black Box, Belfast
Wookalily, Geraghty's, Westport, Co. Mayo

Sun. 22nd: The Wilders (USA), Wexford Arts Centre
Wookalily, Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo
I Draw Slow, Kelly's, Galway city

Mon. 23rd: The Wilders (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Wed. 25th: The Wilders (USA), private function, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 26th: The Wilders (USA), Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Colin Henry, Janet Holmes, & Ivan Muirhead, the Guitar Rooms in Holywood, Co. Down; adm. free

Fri. 27th: The Wilders (USA), Nesbitt Arms, Ardara, Co. Donegal
Michael J. Miles (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin: see here

Sat. 28th: Tom Hanway & Karl Deeter on CountryWide, 8.00-9.00 a.m.
DanGem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim, 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.; all welcome
Michael J. Miles (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin: clawhammer banjo workshop, 1.30 p.m.; fingerstyle guitar workshop, 3.30 p.m.; €10.00 each
The Wilders (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Emmylou Harris, Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin, 8.00 p.m.
Colin Henry, Janet Holmes, & Ivan Muirhead, Crocanoir, Co. Tipperary
The Molly Hicks, Johnston's Hall, Kinvara, Co. Galway; tickets €10. Doors open 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 29th-Mon. 30th: Viper Central (CAN), Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo

Tues. 31st: Viper Central (CAN), Whelan's (with No Crows), Dublin


JUNE 2011

Wed. 1st: Viper Central (CAN), Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 2nd: Viper Central (CAN), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down

Thurs. 2nd-Sat. 4th: 14th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands

Fri. 3rd: Viper Central (CAN), Colfer's, Carrick-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Two Time Polka, Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209
[Woodbine, Malone's Bar, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare - CANCELLED]

Fri. 3rd-Sun. 5th: 2011 Coastline Bluegrass Music Event, Bryn Ffanigl Ganol Farm, Llanddulas, north Wales: G2 Bluegrass Band (Sweden), Longway (Scotland), Home Made Jam (Scotland), Tappalachian Clogging Team; workshops, etc.

Sat. 4th: Viper Central (CAN), Ballyrafter House, Lismore, Co. Waterford
Launch party for 5th Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: music by Hubie & Sara McEvilly and special guest Tim Rogers

Mon. 6th: Bending the Strings with Gerry Madden, Mannion's bar, Balla, Co. Mayo

Tues. 7th: Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Kilworth Arts Centre, Co. Cork
Belfast Bluegrass Sessions, the Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT7 2GE, 8.00 p.m.; 028 9064 1410

Wed. 8th: Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare; info 087 792 1771
Uproot Hootenanny (USA) and Prison Love, the Cobblestone, Smithfield Market, Dublin 1; doors 8.30 p.m.; to 11.30 p.m.; €10

Thurs. 9th: Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Fri. 10th: Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Athy Arts Centre, Co. Kildare

Sat. 11th: Wookalily, the Errigle Inn, Belfast (private party)
Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), PV's Red Room, Longford town

Sun. 12th: Uri Kohen and Werner Levon present two hours of music from the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival on CRCfm from 6.00 p.m.
Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Mercantile Hotel, Dame St., Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 17th: Aisling Kavanagh launches new EP Tracks for home, Bewleys of Grafton Street, Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m., adm. €10

Fri. 17th-Sun. 19th: Southern Welfare: bluegrass weekend at Raftery's Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway; for more info, 'phone (085 1386710) or e-mail.

Sat. 18th: I Draw Slow, Glor, Ennis, Co. Clare
Coal Porters (UK/USA), Murphy's Spiegeltent, Cork, 7.30 p.m.; doors open 7.00 p.m.; tickets €15/€12 (part of Cork Midsummer Festival)
Two Time Polka, Treacys Bar, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4875176

Mon. 20th: The Dust Busters (USA), Kenny's Bar, Main St., Lahinch, Co. Clare, 10.00 p.m.

Tues. 21st: The Dust Busters (USA), the Old Oak, 113 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork city, 9.00 p.m.
Belfast American Folk and Roots Club presents Devon Sproule & the Unmarked Animals, Black Box, Hill St., Belfast, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 22nd: The Dust Busters (USA), Cleere's Pub, 28 Parliament St., Kilkenny city

Wed. 22nd-Sun. 26th: 13th Coors Light Open House Festival, Belfast: Avett Brothers (USA), many more

Thurs. 23rd: The Dust Busters (USA), the Crane Bar, 2 Sea Road, Galway city

Thurs. 23rd-Sat. 25th: IBMM's River Of Music Party (ROMP), Owensboro, KY: Steve Martin & Steep Canyon Rangers, Tony Rice & Mountain Heart, Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, many more

Fri. 24th: The Dust Busters (USA), J.J. Harlow's, the Square, Roscommon town, 10.00 p.m.
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, McHugh's, Custom House, 9-31 Queen's Square, Belfast, 4.00-7.00 p.m. (as part of Open House Festival).

Fri. 24th-Sun. 26th: 5th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: A Band Like Alice (UK), the Dust Busters (USA), Tim Rogers & the Clew Bay Critters (Westport), the MacEvillys (Westport), the Bluestack Mountain Boys (Dublin), Louisiana Joyride (Belfast), the Molly Hicks (Galway), Little Ass Birds (Dublin), Jim Keaveny (USA), Jason Serious (USA), David Hope + Tommy Lyons

Sat. 25th: Dangem Banjo Group, last meeting before the summer break, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, the Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL; 028 9250 9292
The Dust Busters (USA), Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival: Wyatt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.

Sat. 25th-Sun. 26th: Chilli Fest, Custom House Square, Belfast; opens noon, no adm. after 4.00 (part of Coors Light Open House Festival): Urban Voodoo Machine; Alabama 3; Dog Ruff String Band; Mama Rosin; Morgan O'Kane, Ferd 4 and Zeke Healy

Sun. 26th: The Dust Busters (USA), Mannion’s Pub, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.30 p.m.
Belfast Bluegrass host an open session at McHugh's, Custom House, 9-31 Queen's Square, Belfast, 2.00-5.00 p.m.

Thurs. 30th: The Cabin Sessions - McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, Cathy McEvoy, with special guests Michael McIver (classical guitar), Kevin Davenport (ragtime blues); 9.30-11.30 p.m., Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum (close to Dundrum Luas stop), Dublin; adm. free
The Megan Day Band, Bewley's Cafe Theatre, Grafton St., Dublin 2, 8.30 p.m.; €10 (Megan Day (US) with Raphy Doyle (slide guitar, mandolin) and Paul Hickey (guitar, vocals)

Thurs. 30th-Sun. 3 July: 23rd North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy, north Wales: Highly Strung, G-Runs 'n Roses (CZ), Sara Grey (USA) and Ben Paley, Dana & Susan Robinson (USA), Britannia Band, Chris Moreton, Down County Boys, Tom Hanway (USA), Biggin Hillbillies, Morris Boys, Monroe’s Revenge, Chill Until Blue, Shake the Roots, Five and Dimers; Appalachian Dance Teams Mind the Step, Feet First; others TBC


JULY 2011

Fri. 1st: Two Time Polka, The Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Sat. 2nd: Two Time Polka, open air: John Roberts Square, Waterford city. 5.45-6.45 p.m. Adm. free. (part of Tall Ships Festival)

Sun. 3rd: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Odessa Club, Dame Court, Dublin 2; 8.30 p.m. €10

Mon. 4th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road, Belfast; 8.00 p.m. Tickets £4 from Welcome Centre or Spectrum Centre

Tues. 5th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Private function, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 6th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Cleere's, Kilkenny city, 8.00 p.m. Tickets: TBA

Thurs. 7th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town, 8.30 p.m. Tickets: TBA

Thurs. 7th-Sun. 10th: 21st Athy Bluegrass Festival, Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare: Niall Toner Band, Clem O'Brien, Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens, Bending the Strings, Southern Welfare, Well Enough Alone (CD release 8 July), Bluestack Mountain Boys, Southern Bluegrass Union, Acoustic Grass, Woodbine

Fri. 8th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m. Tickets: TBA

Sat. 9th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), Earagall Arts Festival Hunger Hoedown, Town Park, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, 9.00 p.m. Tickets: TBA
Two Time Polka, the Brewery Tap, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 057 9321131

Sun. 10th: Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three (USA), McGrory's, Culdaff, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m. Tickets: TBA

Thurs. 14th: Well Enough Alone, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin 7 (CD release tour)
Belle Star (USA), Boyle's, Main St., Slane, Co. Meath, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 15th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; contact 077 47120659, e-mail
Session Americana (USA), Earagail Arts Festival, Nesbitt Arms, Ardara, Co. Donegal
Belle Star (USA), Spell's, Pound St., Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 15th-Sun. 17th: 4th Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal: Woodbine, Bending the Strings

Sat. 16th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Session Americana (USA), Earagail Arts Festival, McGrory's Back Room, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
Two Time Polka, Blarney Castle Hotel, Village Green, Blarney, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4385116

Sun. 17th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Loughrey’s Bar, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Session Americana (USA), Earagail Arts Festival, Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Belle Star (USA), Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Glandore Inn, Glandore, Co. Cork. Open-air gig for the Glandore Regatta. Kickoff 8.00 p.m. Adm. free.

Mon. 18th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Coscoran house concert, Kinsale, Co. Cork, CANCELLED
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA): TBC
Session Americana (USA), Galway Arts Festival, Kelly's Bar, Galway city

Tues. 19th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA), Kilworth Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
Session Americana (USA), Galway Arts Festival, Monroe's, Galway city

Wed. 20th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), De Barra's, Clonakilty, Co. Cork; 023 33381
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary: SOLD OUT
I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin; doors 8.00 p.m.
Session Americana (USA), Tom Malone's Pub, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Bending the Strings, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, 1.00-2.00 p.m.

Thurs. 21st: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Session Americana (USA), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down

Fri. 22nd: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA), Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Session Americana (USA), Belmullet Arts Festival, Co. Mayo
Bending the Strings, Cox's Bar, Tucker St., Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Fri. 22nd-Sat. 23rd: Mills Inn Blue Grass Festival, Mills Inn Hotel, Ballyvourney, west Cork: Lee Valley String Band, Fri. 10.00 p.m., Museum Bar; adm. free; Sat. 6.00-10.00 p.m., outdoor show with Noel Shine & Mary Greene, open jam session, and barbecue; from 10.00 p.m., the Bluegrass Brothers in the bar; special accommodation package

Sat. 23rd: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Geraghty’s, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo; e-mail contact
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band with Leroy Troy (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Session Americana (USA), the Sugar Club, Leeson St., Dublin 2; 8.30 p.m. start to 10.30 finish; €15 (€13)
Belle Star (USA), J.J. Harlow's, The Square, Roscommon town, 8.00 p.m.
Bending the Strings, 20th Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Sun. 24th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry (USA/NI), Boyle Arts Festival, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Well Enough Alone, Bewley's Cafe Theatre, Dublin 2 (CD release tour); 8.00 p.m.; adm. free with purchase of the band's new CD
Belle Star (USA), Sky and Ground, Parnell St., Wexford town, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 25th: Belle Star (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city, 12.00 p.m.

Wed. 27th-Sat. 30th: 11th Cairncastle Ulster Scots Folk Festival, near Larne, Co. Antrim: special bluegrass evening, Wed. 27th, with Broken Strings, Bending the Strings, Juke Joint (formerly the Tennessee Hennessees), the Barnstormers; compere Alistair McReynolds; piper Ross Hume; from 7.30 p.m.; £6.00

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin; the McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, Cathy McEvoy; special guests: Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack (guitar duets), Anne & Tony Preston (country/folk), Tim Hawkins, Richard Hawkins, & Cathal Cusack (old-time music); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 29th: Belle Star (USA), Grellan Delaney & Son's, Main St., Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 8.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Tower Hotel, the Mall, Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 870129 (Spraoi, Waterford)

Fri. 29th-Mon. 1 Aug.: 2nd Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, Greystones, Co. Wicklow: Niall Toner Band, Bill Whelan & Friends, Bluestack Mountain Boys, Phelim Drew & the Undertakers, The Big Muddy, Wayne Waits, Al O'Donnell, Wookalily; Vincent Cross (Sat. 9.00 p.m.)

Fri. 29th-Mon. 1 Aug.: Scottish Bluegrass Association's 25th Guildtown Bluegrass Music Festival, Guildtown, Perthshire, Scotland

Sat. 30th: Bluestack Mountain Boys on Sunshine Radio (106.8FM), 1.30 p.m.
Belle Star (USA), Skelly's, Main St., Ballymahon, Co. Longford, 8.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, The Munster Bar, Baileys, New St., Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 874656 (Spraoi, Waterford)
Bending the Strings, Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Vincent Cross (as part of Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend), Greystones, Co. Wicklow, 9.00 p.m.

Sun. 31st July: Bill Whelan & Friends, the Burnaby, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, 4.30-6.30 p.m. (as part of Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend); adm. free

Sun. 31st-Mon. 1 Aug.: Stradbally Steam Rally, Stradbally, Co. Laois: Woodbine (2.00-5.00 p.m.)


AUGUST 2011

Mon. 1st: OXO Boys Stringband, the Red Stables, St Anne's Park, Dublin 3, 2.00 p.m. (as part of Northside Music Festival); adm. free
Two Time Polka, O'Flahertys Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. 4.00-6.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983

Thurs. 4th: OXO Boys Stringband & Guests, Poor Mouth Folk Club, Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2, 9.00 p.m.; adm. €6.00

Thurs. 4th-Sun. 7th: La Roche Bluegrass Festival, La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France

Fri. 5th: OXO Boys Stringband, Bandstand, St Stephen's Green (lunchtime 1.00-2.00 p.m.); adm. free
Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven Bar, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Sat. 6th: Bluegrass on the Walls, Derry city, 1.00-4.00 p.m. (as part of Maiden City Festival); many bands; plus evening concert, 'Freshly Mown Grass', featuring young emerging artists
Belle Star (USA), Billy Byrne's Bar, Kilkenny city, 8.00 p.m.
Vincent Cross with Tom Portman (Dobro), The Session, Spells Pub, Pound St., Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon; 9.00 p.m.-11.00 p.m.

Sun. 7th: Vincent Cross with Tom Portman (Dobro), the Sunday Sessions, Tigh Neachtain, Galway city; 9.00 p.m.-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 12th: Well Enough Alone, Whelan's, Dublin 2 (CD release tour), plus Vincent Cross (with Sean McKerr) and the Lazy Band; starts 8.00 p.m.
Belle Star (USA), McGinnity's Bar, Cavan town, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: 1st Mohill Bluegrass Festival, Clarke's Hotel, Main St., Mohill, Co. Leitrim: Woodbine, Southern Welfare, Charlie McGettigan’s Saturday Connection, Southern Bluegrass Union (Mallow); Colin Beggan (of Cryan's Bar session, Carrick-on-Shannon) and guests; Jimmy Quinn and friends; Festival MC Big John Cline; film High lonesome sound shown on big screen; children’s entertainment all weekend; barbecue, Sat. & Sun.; gospel services, Sat. & Sun; jam sessions; all musicians welcome!

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: 1st Scottish Autoharp Weekend, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Sat. 13th: Vincent Cross, Geraghty's pub, the Octagon, Westport, Co. Mayo. Tel. 098 25565. 10.15 p.m.-12.30 a.m.
Two Time Polka, the Bulman Bar, Summercove, Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.15 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772131

Sun. 14th: Kevin Conneff, Jeff White, and Deanie Richardson, Lynch's, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Mon. 15th: Kevin Conneff, Jeff White, and Deanie Richardson, Mick Murphy's, the Square, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

Wed. 17th: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, Baltimore, Co. Cork

Thurs. 18th: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, the White Horse, Ballingcollig, Co. Cork

Sat. 20th: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, Cavan town hall, Co. Cavan

Sun. 21st: Two Time Polka, Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford. Kickoff 3.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 6.00 p.m.
Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, the Grand Social, Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

Mon. 22nd: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo

Tues. 23rd: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, Kenny's Pub, Lahinch, Co. Clare

Wed. 24th: Tim O'Brien (USA) & The Crossing, the Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Thurs. 25th-Sun. 28th: 17th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Bending the Strings, Knotty Pine String Band, Mikey & the Scallywags, Mons Wheeler Band, Little Ass Birds, Desert Aces, Molly Hicks, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Southern Welfare, Well Enough Alone, Hanway & Murray, Woodbine; full programme timetable here

Mon. 29th-Wed. 31st: Red Wine (I) available for shows in Ireland before Omagh festival; contact by e-mail


SEPTEMBER 2011

Thurs. 1st: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, with Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests: Andrew Basquille (songwriter); Elga Fox (folk/jazz); Tim Hawkins (fiddle), Richard Hawkins (banjo), & Cathal Cusack (guitar) (old-time music); 9.30-11.30 p.m. Adm. free

Thurs. 1st-Sun. 4th: Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, England

Fri. 2nd-Sun. 4th: 20th Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Dailey & Vincent (USA), Malpass Brothers (USA), Sunny Side (CZ), Red Wine (IT), Footworks (USA), many more

Sat. 3rd/Sun. 4th: Prison Love, Salty Dog Stage, Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois; 12.45–1.45 a.m.

Tues. 6th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 10.30 p.m. £6. 07841 977816

Wed. 7th-Thurs. 8th: Po' Girl (Canada), Clonmel World Music, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 8th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), McHugh's Basement, Belfast (as part of Open House Festival), 8.00 p.m. £7. 028 9050 999
Niall Toner Band, Croc an Oir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary; tel. +353 52 9153117

Fri. 9th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m. €15. 068 22566
David Holt (USA), Spirit Store, Limerick

Sat. 10th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), St Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen, Co. Tipperary, 7.00 p.m.; €10. 087 6967661
David Holt (USA), Odessa Club, 13 Dame Court, Dublin 2, 8.30 p.m.; adm. €15 (€13 reserved online)

Sun. 11th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Nancy Blake’s, Limerick, adm. free, 6.30 p.m. 353 61 416443

Mon. 12th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m. €15. +353 87 7921771

Wed. 14th: Chris Thile (USA), Whelans, Wexford St., Dublin 2
The Wranglers, The Patriots Inn, 760 S. Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; adm. free

Thurs. 15th: Chris Thile (USA), Triskel Arts Centre, Christchurch, Cork city

Fri. 16th-Sat. 17th: Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall; workshops and concerts throughout

Sat. 17th: Woodbine, private function

Tues. 20th: I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin (part of Conor Byrne's Liffey Banks Sessions series); 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 22nd: Arthur's Day at the Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, with Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests: The Mellowchords (barbershop); Pat McGonigal & Dylan McCauley (blues); 9.00-11.30 p.m. Adm. free

Thurs. 22nd-Sun. 25th: 10th Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Longford town, Co. Longford: abundant lineup here

Fri. 23rd-Sun. 25th: 3rd Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Tues. 27th: Steve Kaufman (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork: concert, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 28th: Steve Kaufman (USA): 3-hour flatpicking workshop in Dublin (details TBA); contact Cathal Cusack (e-mail) for info and registration

Thurs. 29th: Steve Kaufman (USA), Clem O'Brien; guitar concert in The Space, The Helix, Dublin City University, Collins Ave., Glasnevin, Dublin 9; 8.30 p.m.; €15/€12.50 (first event in Six String Sessions series)

Thurs. 29th-Sun. 2 Oct.: 15th Ards Guitar Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down: Steve Kaufman (USA), many others (see also 2 Oct.)

Fri. 30th-Sat. 1 Oct.: Steve Kaufman (USA): concert and workshops at Ards Guitar Festival

Fri. 30th-Sun. 2 Oct.: 3rd Bruff Bluegrass Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Wiretappers (USA), Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Southern Welfare, Bending the Strings, Bluestack Mountain Boys


OCTOBER 2011

Sat. 1st: Two Time Polka, Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (part of Storytelling Southeast Festival). Doors open 6.30 p.m.; adm. €15

Sun. 2nd: 'Down from the Mountain' concert, Ivy Bar, Newtownards, Co. Down (final event of Ards Guitar Festival): Colin Henry & Janet Holmes, Wookalily, many others; 3.00 p.m., £8.00
Two Time Polka, An Bróg, Oliver Plunkett St., Cork (part of Cork Folk Festival). Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4270074

Mon. 3rd: 8-week Bluegrass banjo for beginners course, taught by Howard Walker, begins at Hillsborough Village Centre, Ballynahinch St., Hillsborough, Co. Down, 7.30-8.30 p.m. (For further details (or to enrol) call 077 8895 7958, 5.00-7.00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.)

Tues. 4th: Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs in the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, from 8.30 p.m.; everyone welcome; adm. free

Thurs. 6th: 10-week Introduction to 5-string banjo course, taught by Paddy Kiernan, begins at Walton's New School of Music, 69 South Great George's St., Dublin 2

Fri. 7th: Woodbine, Aislann Centre, Kilcar, Co. Donegal (as part of Donegal Bay & Bluestack Festival)

Sat. 8th: The Prairie Dawgs,, Aran Sheehan & Hugh Taggart, the Viking Project; at the Cobblestone, North King St., Smithfield, Dublin, 9.00 p.m.
Knotty Pine String Band, Market Place Theatre, Armagh city (in Cajun Bluegrass Club series: Cajun dinner at 6.30, show at 8.30 p.m.)

Wed. 12th: The Wranglers, The Patriots Inn, 760 S. Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; adm. free

Thurs. 13th: Prison Love, the Cobblestone, Smithfield Market, Dublin 1; doors 8.30 p.m.–11.30 p.m. €10
Broken Strings, Magherafelt Library, the Bridewell, 6 Church St., Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, 7.00 p.m. Adm. free

Fri. 14th-Sun. 16th: Sacred Harp/shape-note singing workshop weekend, Rosemary Hall, All Souls Church, 22 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast

Sat. 15th: I Draw Slow, The Venue Theatre, Ratoath, Co. Meath; €12; doors open 7.30 p.m.

Sat. 15th-Sun. 16th: Mini-festival at Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois: Woodbine, Southern Welfare (in conjunction with Durrow High Nellie Bicycle Club); shows run from 8.00 p.m. Saturday; 3.00-5.30 and 7.00-9.00 p.m. Sunday

Wed. 19th: Blueflint (Scotland), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 1BL. Doors: 7.30 p.m., 8 p.m. start. Tickets: £12. Bookings: 028 8224 7831

Thurs. 20th: Blueflint (Scotland), St John’s Theatre Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Doors: 7.30 p.m., 8 p.m. start. Tickets: €15/€12. Bookings: 00353 068 22566

Fri. 21st: Blueflint (Scotland), Mullingar Arts, Lower Mount St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Doors: 7.00 p.m., 7.30 p.m. start. Tickets: €10. Bookings: 044 93 477777
Janet Holmes and Colin Henry, Acoustic Club, the Ivy Bar, Castle St., Newtownards, Co. Down; doors 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: Blueflint (Scotland), The Cobblestone, King St. North, Dublin 7 (album launch). Doors: 9 p.m., 9.30 p.m. start. Tickets: €12.50. Bookings: 01 8721799
I Draw Slow, Island Bridge Roots & Trad Club, Commercial Rowing Club, Long Meadows, Islandbridge, Dublin 8

Sun. 23rd: Blueflint (Scotland), Balor Arts Centre, Main St, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal. Doors: 8 p.m., 8.30 p.m. start. Tickets: €15. Bookings: 074 91 31840

Tues. 25th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Dolan's Warehouse, Limerick city

Wed. 26th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Cyprus Avenue, Cork city

Thurs. 27th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), Button Factory, Dublin city
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, with Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Noeleen Berry (country/folk), Kevin Cray & Brian Dowling (folk), Paddy Kiernan (5-string banjo); 9.30-11.30 p.m.; adm. free

Fri. 28th: Hayseed Dixie (USA), The Model, Sligo Live Festival
Two Time Polka, Bradleys Bar, Barrack St., Cork. Kickoff 10.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4274482
The OXO Boys (Dermot Diamond, Bill Whelan, Ben Keogh), Áislann Chill Chartha, Kilcar, Co. Donegal; doors open 8.00 p.m, show starts 8.30. Adm. €10, children €5.

Fri. 28th-Mon. 1 Nov.: 3rd Balla Bluegrass Festival, Balla, Co. Mayo: the Molly Hicks, Bending the Strings, the Mud Dog Boys, Woodbine, Colonel Bullshot Rides Again

Sat. 29th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim; tel. 028 9250 9292
Hayseed Dixie (USA), Spring & Airbrake, Open House Festival Hellow'een Hoedown, Belfast
Two Time Polka, O'Driscolls Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel: 021 4369387

Sun. 30th: Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209.
Two Time Polka, the Briar Rose Bar, Douglas Rd, Cork. Kickoff 7.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4291686.
Southern Welfare, Parish Bar, Mary St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (part of Alive & Kicking Festival, 28-30 Oct.); 11.00 p.m.

Mon. 31st: Two Time Polka, the Briar Rose Bar, Douglas Rd, Cork. Kickoff 6.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4291686.


NOVEMBER 2011

Tues. 1st: Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs in the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, from 8.30 p.m.; everyone welcome; adm. free

Wed. 2nd: Eilen Jewell (USA), Clonmel World Music, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
The Toy Hearts (GB), the Crane Bar, Galway city, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 3rd: The Toy Hearts (GB), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m.
Bluegrass and Roots Music Night, Spectrum Centre, Shankhill Rd, Belfast: Broken Strings Band, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Billy Kennedy (talk), Flaming Sticks (Natalie Chambers), 7.00-10.00 p.m.; £8.00/£6.00

Fri. 4th: The Toy Hearts (GB), Boyles, Slane, Co. Meath, 8.00 p.m.
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), The Playhouse, Derry city, Co. Londonderry
Well Enough Alone, McCarthy's bar, Goat St., Dingle, Co. Kerry, 9.00 p.m.
Janet Holmes (with Colin Henry), Charlie McGettigan, and Ben Sands (Sands Family) in concert; Web Theatre, Newtownards, Co. Down, 8.00 p.m.; £15.00

Sat. 5th: The Toy Hearts (GB), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Well Enough Alone: hosting session, Flaherty's pub, Bridge St., Dingle, Co. Kerry
Two Time Polka, Henchy's Bar, St Luke's, Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4507833.

Sun. 6th: The Toy Hearts (GB), Mercantile Hotel, Dame Lane, Dublin 2, 5.00 p.m.
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Mon. 7th: Alison Krauss & Union Station (USA), Waterfront Hall, Belfast

Tues. 8th: Alison Krauss & Union Station (USA), Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 9th: The Wranglers, The Patriots Inn, 760 S. Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; adm. free
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Island Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim

Thurs. 10th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford, Co. Wexford

Fri. 11th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Two Time Polka, McKenna's Bar, Kilmainhamwood, Kells, Co. Meath. Kickoff 10.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 046 9052154.
Well Enough Alone, Harbour Bar, Bray, Co. Wicklow; support by the Cujo Family; 9.00 p.m. Adm. free.

Sat. 12th: Woodbine with Clem O'Brien, Pikers Lodge Hotel, Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan
Two Time Polka, Boyle's Bar, Main St., Slane, Co. Meath. Kickoff 10.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 041 9884747
Colin Henry, Gabriel Irisarri, Colin Allen, Brian Crawford, and Tony Curran at Ellie May's, Dunadry, Co. Antrim; in aid of 'Children in need'; from 15:30; other pickers welcome
The Molly Hicks, Campbell's Tavern, Cloghanover, Headford, Co. Galway; 9.30 p.m.; adm. €10 (part of Americana Music & Arts Month, 9-27 Nov.)

Mon. 14th: Niall Toner Band, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; doors 8.00 p.m., show starts 9.00 p.m. sharp; €12

Thurs. 17th: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (USA), Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Fri. 18th: First monthly bluegrass slow jam at Walton's School of Music, 69 South Great George's St., Dublin 2, facilitated by Paddy Kiernan (banjo) and Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); 6.30-8.00 p.m.; contact Paddy by e-mail
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (USA), Waterfront Hall, Belfast, 8.30 p.m

Fri. Nov. 18th: Slim Pickins, McCarthy's, Dingle, 9.00 p.m. €8

Sat. 19th: Colin Henry, Gabriel Irisarri, Colin Allen, Brian Crawford, and Tony Curran at Ellie May's, Dunadry, Co. Antrim; in aid of 'Children in need'; from 15:30; other pickers welcome
Slim Pickins, Roisin Dubh (upstairs), Galway, 9.00 p.m., €8

Mon. 21st: Slim Pickins, Crane Lane, Cork, 11.30 p.m., FREE

Thurs. 24th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, with Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack (guitar duet; traditional music), Charlie & Benny (country/folk), Angie McLaughlin & Brian Horgan (1930s style cabaret), Kevin Davinport (ragtime blues); 9.30-11.30 p.m. Adm. free

Fri. 25th: Slim Pickins, The Cobblestone, Dublin, 8.30 p.m., €10

Sat. 26th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, Co. Antrim; tel. 028 9250 9292
Niall Toner Band, Commercial Rowing Club, Islandbridge, Dublin; 9.30 p.m.
Bending the Strings, Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Kickoff 10.00 p.m.

Sun. 27th: Prison Love, second free Sunday Session, Sin É, Ormond Quay, Dublin 7; 8.30-10.30 p.m. (tapas at the bar from 6.00 p.m.); adm. free


DECEMBER 2011

Fri. 2nd: Second Bluegrass Slow Jam at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2

Sat. 10th [not 3rd as originally announced]: New series of Niall Toner's 'Roots Freeway' (incorporating 'Front Page Bluegrass News') begins on RTE Radio 1: 11.00 p.m.-12 midnight
Slim Pickins, McGarrigles, Sligo, 8.30 p.m., €10

Sat. 10th: Night of Americana music and song, Damer Court Hotel, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary: Lee Valley String Band, Ari Hest (USA); doors open 8.30 p.m.; tickets €15 at the door (€10 for mailing list subscribers and BIB readers; call 087-2238040)

Mon. 12th-Fri. 23rd, and New Year's Eve: Kennedy, Lewis, Hicks Trio (IRL/USA/UK): Irish tour, open for bookings (e-mail)

Fri. 16th: Kennedy, Lewis, Hicks Trio (IRL/USA/UK), Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, 10.00 p.m.

Sat. 17th: Kennedy, Lewis, Hicks Trio (IRL/USA/UK), Pillar House, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, 10.00 p.m.
I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Liffey St., Dublin 1; 8.00 p.m. €10

Sun. 18th: Kennedy, Lewis, Hicks Trio (IRL/USA/UK), Boyle's of Slane, Slane, Co. Meath, 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 19th: Kennedy, Lewis, Hicks Trio (IRL/USA/UK), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 21st: Little Ass Birds, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin (album launch); doors 8.30 p.m., show 9.00 p.m.; supports from Ben Scott (Australian folk songwriter) and folk duo 'Charlie & Benny'

Thurs. 22nd: Well Enough Alone support the Cujo Family, Button Factory, Curved St., Dublin 2; doors 7.30 p.m.; no cover charge

Fri. 23rd: Hugh Taggart and friends: early show of bluegrass and country songs, Sweeney's bar, Dame St., Dublin 2, 5.00-7.00 p.m.; no cover charge

Tues. 27th: Bluegrass jam from 3.30 p.m., Ellie May's, Dunadry, Co. Antrim; location map here

Thurs. 29th: 'From Rathgar to Rosine: a pilgrimage to find Bill Monroe', radio documentary presented by Niall Toner, produced by Aidan Butler; RTÉ Radio 1, 2.00-3.00 p.m.

Fri. 30th: Two Time Polka, Langton's Hotel, John St., Kilkenny, Kickoff 9.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 056 7765433

JANUARY 2012

Sun. 1st: Two Time Polka, Murph's Bar, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 386440

Mon. 2nd: Two Time Polka, O'Flaherty's Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Kickoff 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983

Sun. 8th: Prison Love, Sin É, Ormond Quay, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.; admission free. With special guest Colin Derham of I Draw Slow (banjo)

Thurs. 12th-Sun. 15th: 13th Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge and Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare: I Draw Slow, Red Cloud Bluegrass, many others in many genres

Sat. 14th: Béla Fleck (USA), workshop in Waltons New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 3.00-4.30 p.m.; €25 (presented by Fickle3 Promotions in association with Waltons)

Tues. 17th: Béla Fleck & the Flecktones (USA), the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2; tickets can be booked online

Thurs. 19th-Sun. 5th Feb.: Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, Scotland

Sat. 21st: Colin Henry & Janet Holmes, live on 'For Folks Sake' hosted by Dessie Fisher on Drive FM (105.3 FM) from Derry city, 1.00-2.30 p.m.

Wed. 25th: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn (USA), Karan Casey, Buille, the Pavilion, Cork; details and tickets here

Wed. 25th-Sun. 29th: 7th Temple Bar Trad Fest, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (buskers' stage open 28-9 Jan.)

Thurs. 26th: New series of 'Introduction to 5-string banjo' course, taught by Paddy Kiernan, begins at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14; the McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Tim Hawkins, Richard Hawkins, & Cathal Cusack (old-time American), Emma Butler (contemporary folk), Dave Hardy (clarinet); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free.

Sat. 28th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 10.00 a.m.-12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, The Island. Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL
Ruth Moody (CA/USA), Black Box, Belfast (as part of Out To Lunch Festival); 028 9024 6609; £6. NB: afternoon show (2.00 p.m.)
Sweetback Sisters (USA) supported by I Draw Slow, The Arches, Glasgow, Scotland, 7.30 p.m. £14 (part of Celtic Connections)

Sun. 29th: Ruth Moody (CA/USA), Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo town; +353 (0) 71 916 1518; €TBC, 8.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford (CANCELLED)

Mon. 30th: Ruth Moody (CA/USA), Brontë Centre, Rathfriland, Co. Down; 028 40623322; £TBC, 8.30 p.m.


FEBRUARY 2012

Sat. 4th: Molly Hicks, main bar, Carlton Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co. Wexford: CANCELLED

Sun. 5th: Well Enough Alone, Whelans (upstairs), Dublin 2; doors open 8.00 p.m., adm. €5
Tin Box Company at Elvis Country Barndance, Church Nightclub, Jervis St., Dublin (with other Elvis-themed entertainment and a disco); €10; doors open 7.00 p.m., TBC spot from 9.00

Tues. 7th: Celtic Connections presents 'Transatlantic Sessions', with Raul Malo, Jerry Douglas, Aly Bain, Danny Thompson, Tim O'Brien, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Ruth Moody, & more; Convention Centre, Dublin; doors 6.30 p.m.; show 8.00 p.m. Tickets €40.20/€42.20 (including booking fee) from Ticketmaster outlets; telephone 0818 719377
The Belfast Bluegrass Sessions, Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT7 2GE; from 8.30 p.m. Tel. 028 9064 1410

Thurs. 9th: Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell, Nicola Joyce, Crane Bar, Sea Rd, Galway, 9.00 p.m. €10

Fri. 10th: Third Bluegrass Slow Jam for Beginners, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m., led by Paddy Kiernan
Knotty Pine String Band, fundraising event for Concern Ireland, Lansdowne Rugby Club, Dublin; tickets available online

Fri. 10th-Sun. 12th: FOAOTMAD Old-Time Music Festival, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England: New North Carolina Ramblers (USA), Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus (USA), more TBA

Tues. 14th: The Wiyos (USA), Ubangi Stomp Club, the Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey St., Dublin 1; 8.00 p.m.
Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell, Nicola Joyce, Linen Hall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m. €16

Wed. 15th: The Wiyos (USA), the Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast; 028 9024 4400; 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 16th: The Wiyos (USA), Cleere's Theatre, 28 Parliament St., Kilkenny; 056-7762573; 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 17th: First of a series of weekly Sacred Harp singing sessions, Exchange Dublin, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 7.00-9.00 p.m.; admission free, all welcome
The Wiyos (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin; doors 7.30, show 8.30 p.m.
The Molly Hicks: annual bluegrass show, Town Hall Theatre, Galway (tickets online)
Sweeney's Mongrel bar, Dame St., Dublin 2 (opposite the Central Bank): Hugh Taggart, Conor Daly, and special guest, 5.00-7.00 p.m. (ground floor); open Bluegrass Circle Jam, 6.00-9.00 p.m. (first floor)

Sat. 18th: Watery Hill Boys, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Sun. 19th: 20th annual London Fiddle Convention, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY

Wed. 22nd: Down and Out Bluegrass Band on ‘Santer’ (first episode, new series), BBC 2 Northern Ireland, 7.30 p.m.

Wed. 22nd-Sun. 26th: 8th Panarts Belfast Nashville Songwriters' Festival & Songwriting Convention

Thurs. 23rd: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14: the McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass) Gerry Fitz (Dobro), Pat McGonagle & Dylan Macaulay, Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack, Jo Ryan, and Dave Hardy; 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 25th: Monthly Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Plough Inn, Hillsborough, Co. Down, 3.00-6.00 p.m.; all acoustic, adm. free, all welcome
Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell, Nicola Joyce, Campbell's Tavern, Headford, Co. Galway, 9.30 p.m. €10

Sun. 26th: First show of a monthly series at the Bluegrass Pickin' Parlour, Green Room, the Black Box, Belfast: Acoustic Dan & the Black Mountain River Dipsos, Jayne Trimble; from 2.00 p.m. (supports two anti-trafficking charities, A21 Campaign and ECPAT UK)

Wed. 29th: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder (as part of International Festival of Country Music with Reba McEntire, many others), Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Noriana Kennedy, Noelie McDonnell, Nicola Joyce, Whelans Live (upstairs), Dublin 2, 9.00 p.m. €10


MARCH 2012

Fri. 2nd-Sun. 4th: 4th European Bluegrass Summit, Friedrichsbau, Friedrichstrasse 2, Bühl, Germany

Sat. 3rd-Sun. 4th: 2nd Ireland Sacred Harp Convention and Singing School, Cork city (details on website)

Tues. 6th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Candlelight Sessions, The Sky and the Ground, Wexford town, 9.00 p.m. FREE

Wed. 7th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Sitting Room Sessions, De Barra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 8th: Black Sun presents at Plug'd Records, Mardyke, Cork city: Mike Gangloff (USA; Black Twig Pickers/Pelt), Yawning Chasm, Brigid Power Ryce, Sacred Harp Singers of Cork, & screening of Luther Price's 'Green'; 8.00 p.m.; donations
Lena Ullman (banjo), Ivan Murray (guitar), Anna Falkenau (fiddle), Poor Mouth Folk Club, Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2; doors 9.00 p.m., adm. €6

Fri. 9th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Spells Bar, Ballaghadarreen, Co. Roscommon, 10.00 p.m. FREE

Sat. 10th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Swan Lake Inn, Effrinagh, Co. Leitrim, 10.00 p.m. FREE

Sun. 11th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.00 p.m. FREE

Mon. 12th: Mike Gangloff (USA), Boyle's Bar, Slane, Co. Meath, 9.00 p.m. FREE

Thurs. 15th: Prison Love, supported by the Larkfield Four, the Grand Social, Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin 1, from 8.30 p.m.; €10 on the door

Fri. 16th: Fourth Bluegrass Slow Jam for Beginners, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m., led by Paddy Kiernan

Sat. 17th: Southern Welfare on RTÉ Radio 1, live from Waterford city, from 10.00 a.m.
Wookalily, hosting session at the Hillside, Hillsborough, Co. Down, 3.00-6.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 6.00.p.m.
Dr Fox's Old Timey String Band, Oliver Plunkett bar, Oliver Plunkett St., Cork city, 10.00 p.m. to midnight
Della Belle, the Rig, Main St., Mohill, Co. Leitrim (later in O’Brian's Bar; build-up to Mohill Bluegrass Festival)
Tin Box Company, the Spawell, Wellington Lane, Templeogue, Dublin 6, 2.00-5.00 p.m.; Delaney's, Knocklyon, 8.00-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 23rd: I Draw Slow, Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare. Co. Kerry

Sat. 24th: I Draw Slow, the Pavilion, centre of Cork city

Sun. 25th: Bluegrass Pickin' Parlour, Green Room, Black Box, Belfast: White Mansions, plus open mic and jam session, 2.00-6.00 p.m.
Broken String Band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 28th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band on 'Santer', 7.30 p.m. BBC2 TV NI (last in the current series)

Thurs. 29th: Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Brian Dowling & Billy Byrne (folk); Elga Fox (Folk/Jazz); Lynda Lucas & the Natural Born Heathens (Country); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 30th: 'Hallelujah to Trad' concert, Old St Mary's Church, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary: Brock McGuire Band, with special guests Louise Morrissey, Morrissey & Daniels; 8.00 p.m.

Sat. 31st: Woodbine, Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, 9.30-10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL (9.30-10.00 warmup; 10.30-11.00 banjo beginners class led by Howard Walker, £5.00 per person; 11.00-12.00, singalong and jam session)
Red Cloud Bluegrass in concert, the Courthouse, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare


APRIL 2012

Tues. 3rd: Tim Eriksen (USA), shape-note singing school, Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, 7.00 p.m.
Belfast Bluegrass monthly session from 8.30 p.m., Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE; tel. 028 9064 1410, e-mail

Wed. 4th: Tim Eriksen (USA) with Woven Skull, Triskel Arts Centre, Cork city (presented by Plugd Records), 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 5th: Tim Eriksen (USA), shape-note singing school, Camden Palace, Cork city, 7.00 p.m. (as part of the Cork Sacred Harp weekly meeting)
Little Ass Birds, debut album launch, Mercantile Music Venue, Dame St., Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m.; support from Ken Bolton

Sat. 7th: Red Cloud Bluegrass, Malone's Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Sun. 8th: Red Cloud Bluegrass, Harrington's bar, Glengariff, Co. Cork

Mon. 9th: Sam Shepard and Patti Smith present an evening of music and readings at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, with Bill Whelan (banjo), Dermy Diamond (fiddle), Tony Shanahan (piano); 7.30 p.m.; book online

Thurs. 19th: Beginning of third 10-week Introducing 5-string banjo course at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, taught by Paddy Kiernan
Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Marion McEvoy, Nora & Helena, Kevin 'Spats' Davenport; 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 20th: Fifth Bluegrass Slow Jam for Beginners, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m., led by Paddy Kiernan

Tues. 24th: Woody Pines (USA) on Pat Kenny radio show (RTE)
Woody Pines (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 25th: Woody Pines (USA), the Atlantic Bar, Main St., Portrush, Co. Antrim
Bayou Seco (USA), No Alibis Bookstore, 83 Botanic Ave., Belfast BT7 1JL; e-mail; +44 02890-319601
Motor Neuron Support concert, Leopardstown Pavilion, Co. Dublin: Bending the Strings, Foster & Allen, Ray Lynam, Trionagh Moore Allen, John Murray, many more

Thurs. 26th: Woody Pines (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music series)
Launch of Black Mountain Opry, Green Room Cafe, Black Box, Belfast, 8.00 p.m.: Cup o' Joe, followed by open session (10.00 p.m.); adm. free, musicians welcome

Thurs. 26th-Sun. 29th: MerleFest, Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Fri. 27th: Woody Pines (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Bending the Strings, Byrne's, Edenderry, Co. Offaly, 10.00 p.m.

Sat. 28th: Woody Pines (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together (with beginners' class and jam session), 9.30/10.00 a.m.-12.00 noon, Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL
Bending the Strings, Mullingar Park Hotel, 10.30-12.30

Sun. 29th: 2012 All American Car, Truck and Bike Show, opposite racecourse on N52 between Kilbeggan and Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; 11.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.; Bending the Strings; bluegrass jamming tent, free entry to event for all pickers taking part
Bluegrass Pickin' Parlour, Green Room, Black Box, Belfast: special tribute concert in honour of Earl Scruggs; 2.00 p.m. open mic. session; the Down & Out Bluegrass Band 3.00; open jam from 4.00; Mel Corry and many others present


MAY 2012

Tues. 1st: Foghorn Stringband (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.00 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), The Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2, 9:00 p.m. +353 (0)1 67 93 687
Belfast Bluegrass session, 8.30 p.m. onward, Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 2GE

Thurs. 3rd: Charlie Parr (USA), Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast
Foghorn Stringband (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim, 7.30 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), St John's Theatre and Arts Centre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry; +353 (0)68 22566

Fri. 4th: Charlie Parr (USA), JJ Harlows, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon
Foghorn Stringband (USA), Grand Social, Dublin, with I Draw Slow, 8.00 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), The Hill Bar, Kylbrach, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Desert Aces, Breathnachs, John St., Kilkenny city

Fri. 4th-Sat. 5th: 10th Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl, Germany

Fri. 4th-Mon. 7th: 15th Kilkenny Roots Festival, Kilkenny city; various venues

Sat. 5th: Charlie Parr (USA), Clubhouse Hotel, Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival)
Southern Welfare, Rafters Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway
Foghorn Stringband (USA), Crane Bar, 2 Sea Road, Galway city, with I Draw Slow, 7.00 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), Tom Malone's, Milton Malbay, Co. Clare
Wookalily, Áislann Chill Chartha, Kilcar, Co. Donegal; doors open 8.00 p.m., concert 8.30 p.m.; adm. (inc. refreshments) €10 (adults), €5 (children).
Desert Aces, Bollards, Kieran St., Killkenny city

Sun. 6th: Charlie Parr (USA), Clubhouse Hotel, Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival)
Southern Welfare, Bollards Bar, Kieran St., Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival), 10.00 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), Moran's Bar, 7 Parnell St., Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Desert Aces, Leydens, John St., Kilkenny city

Mon. 7th: Charlie Parr (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city
Foghorn Stringband (USA), Féile na Bealtaine, Dingle, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.
Bayou Seco (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St./ Pembroke St., Cork city; +353 21 427 8487
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), the Gables bar (between Dungannon and Cookstown, Co. Tyrone), 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 9th: Foghorn Stringband (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 9th-Sun. 13th: 20th Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork: Tim O’Brien, Frankie Lane & Dermie Diamond, Any Old Time, Cleek Schrey & Nic Gareiss, Foghorn Stringband with special guest Dirk Powell, many more; workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions, etc.

Thurs. 10th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim

Fri. 11th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down

Sat. 12th: Southern Welfare, the Candy Store, St John's Park, Waterford city (launch of 1st International Bluegrass Festival (1-4 June), Tramore, Co. Waterford), 10.00 p.m.
Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare; supported by Blood Red Mountain Band; doors 8.00 p.m., adm. €15

Sun. 13th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Woodbine, Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, 8.00 p.m.

Mon. 14th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo town

Tues. 15th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry
Tim O'Brien(USA), Button Factory, Dublin 2

Wed. 16th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Linen Hall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Tim O'Brien(USA), Kenny's Bar, Lahinch, Co. Clare

Thurs. 17th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
Tim O'Brien (USA) and Kevin Burke (Bothy Band etc.), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, 9.00 p.m.; special guests Ron Kane (USA), Bill Whelan, Ben Keogh

Thurs. 17th-Sat. 19th: European World of Bluegrass Festival, 't Trefpunt, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands

Fri. 18th: Sixth Bluegrass Slow Jam for Beginners, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m., led by Paddy Kiernan
Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Blue Cedar Project, Master Deery's pub, Monaghan town; details TBA
Johanna Divine (USA) with Prison Love, Odessa Club, Dame Court, Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m., €10

Sat. 19th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (UK), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Northern Belles (Janet Holmes, Janet Dowd, Oonagh Derby, acc. Colin Henry, Ivan Muirhead, Mervyn Dowd; Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; for more info 'phone 07747120659

Sat. 26th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL; 9.30-10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. NB: last meeting before summer break; no beginner's class this month
Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork (afternoon and night); info from Oliver McCarthy ('phone 086 2659496 or Ballyhooly on Facebook)

Sun. 27th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork (afternoon and night); info from Oliver McCarthy ('phone 086 2659496 or Ballyhooly on Facebook)
Bluegrass Pickin' Parlour, 2.00-6.00 p.m.: Janet Holmes, Tennessee Hennessees, jam session; the Green Room, Black Box, Belfast

Mon. 28th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), private party

Tues. 29th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork. 8.15 p.m.; booking and inquiries 087 7921771

Wed. 30th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; booking and inquiries +44(0)2886761630

Thurs. 31st: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), day off for sightseeing
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Tom Horan (folk/country), Jo Ryan (folk), Andrew Basquille (singer/songwriter); Asylum Creek Boys (bluegrass: Cathal Cusack, guitar; Richard Hawkins, banjo; Martin McWhorter, mandolin); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


JUNE 2012

Fri. 1st: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.; 087 6881650

Fri. 1st-Mon. 4th: 1st International Bluegrass Festival, Grand Hotel, Tramore, Co. Waterford: Southern Welfare, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Bending the Strings, Kentucky Cow Tippers (UK), Well Enough Alone, Watery Hill Boys, Jonathan Maness (USA)

Sat. 2nd: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Connolly's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 10.00 p.m.; 091 637131
Colin Henry, Janet Holmes, and Ivan Muirhead, Seomra Ceol, Croc an Oir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary; tel. +353 52 9153117

Sun. 3rd: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), (afternoon) Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare; 087 6881650

Sun. 3rd: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), the Crane Bar, Galway city, 10.00 p.m.; 091 587419

Mon. 4th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.30 p.m.; 087 2296018

Tues. 5th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), private party
Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, upstairs (Maple Lounge) at the Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 6th: Berea Bluegrass All-Stars (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; 068 22566

Thurs. 7th: Furnace Mountain (USA), The Playhouse, Derry city; tickets£11/£8 (conc.) from 028 7126 8027 and the Playhouse; show 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 8th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim; tickets £12/£10 (conc.) from 028 9250 9254 and the Centre; show 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 8th-Sun. 10th: Coastline Bluegrass Music Event, new venue Bryn Ffanigl Ganol Farm, Rhyd y Foel Road, Dolwen, Llandulas, LL22 8NF, North Wales: Sons of Navarone (B), New Essex Bluegrass Band, Flats & Sharps, more

Sat. 9th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone; tickets £12 from 028 8224 7831 and the Centre; show 8.30 p.m.
Woodbine, Áislann Chill Chartha, Kilcar, Co. Donegal; doors open 8.00 p.m., concert 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 10th: Niall Toner gives bluegrass workshop, George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow town; all acoustic string instrument welcome; admission (€10) is limited to thirty people (part of Carlow Arts Festival)
Furnace Mountain (USA), Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast; tickets £12/£8 (conc.) from CAC Box Office (028 9024 2338) or online from the Centre; doors 8.00 p.m.

Mon. 11th: Woodbine, Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

Wed. 13th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Black Box, Belfast, 028 90 244400
Niall Toner Band concert, Main Gallery, Visual centre, Carlow town; 8.30-10.30 p.m., €15.00

Thurs. 14th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Barry's, Grange, Co. Sligo, 071 917 3111

Fri. 15th: Seventh Bluegrass Slow Jam for Beginners, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m., led by Paddy Kiernan
Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), the Crane Bar, Galway city, 091 587419

Sat. 16th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Áras Éanna, Inis Óirr, Aran Islands, 099 75150
Launch party and reception for Mohill Bluegrass Festival, John James’s Bar, Glebe St., Mohill, Co. Leitrim, 9.30 p.m. Music by Western String Band. All welcome; admission optional

Sun. 17th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford, 051 561159

Mon. 18th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 087 792 1771

Wed. 20th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 068 22566

Thurs. 21st: National Music Day

Thurs. 21st: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 086 846 4509

Fri. 22nd: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow, 01 272 4030
Viper Central (Canada), Tom Malone's Pub & Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Sat. 23rd: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 01 802 0898
Niall Toner Band, Seomra Ceol, Croc an Oir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary; tel. +353 52 9153117
Viper Central (Canada), Muintir na Tire Hall, Market Green, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m. Booking and inquiries: tel. 087 7921771

Sun. 24th: Curtis Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, 028 777 60650
Viper Central (Canada), Selskar Square, Wexford town (as part of Wexford Day)
Viper Central (Canada), Colfer's Pub, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford

Wed. 27th: Viper Central (Canada), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 28th: I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Raff’s on the Corner, 65/67 Church St., Skerries, Co. Dublin, 7.00 p.m. Phone +353 (0)1 8105650

Thurs. 28th-Sat. 30th: International Bluegrass Music Museum's River Of Music Party (ROMP), Yellow Creek Park, Owensboro, KY: Vince Gill, Old Crow Medicine Show, Punch Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three, Lonesome River Band, Deadly Gentlemen, many more

Fri. 29th-Sat. 30th (and Sun. 1 July): 6th Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys (UK), Viper Central (Can.) (Fri.), I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Sean McKerr & Friends, Rocky Top String Band, Mikey & the Scallywags, James O’Connor & Audrey Trainor, Hickory Wind, Doghouse, Tim Rogers & the Clew Bay Critters, The Higglers, The Molly Hicks, more

Sat. 30th: Knotty Pine String Band, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo, 7.00 p.m.


JULY 2012

Sun. 1st: Viper Central (Can.), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, to mark Canada Day
Knotty Pine String Band, in the courtyard, Castle Archdale Country Park, Co. Fermanagh, 2.00-4.00 p.m.
Viper Central (Canada), Celtic Fusion Festival, Castlewellan, Co. Down (8.00 p.m.)
I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Clew Bay Hotel, James St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 12.30 p.m. (part of Westport festival)
I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Celtic Fusion Fest, Castlewellan, Co. Down, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 2nd: I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Whelan’s, Wexford St., Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m. Phone 01 478 0766
Viper Central (Canada), Downtown Radio: interview and live session with George Jones

Tues. 3rd-Thurs. 5th: I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Ulster American Folk Park, 2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 3.00 p.m. each day

Thurs. 5th: Viper Central (Canada), Raff’s on the Corner, Skerries, Co. Dublin

Thurs. 5th-Sun. 8th: 24th North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy, North Wales; international bands, dance teams, and more

Fri. 6th: Viper Central (Canada), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Andy Peters' House Concerts, Rathfriland, Co. Down, 7.00 p.m.

Sat. 7th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry
Viper Central (Canada), Eagle Wing Festival, Groomsport, Co. Down
I See Hawks in L.A. (USA), Earagail Arts Festival, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, 7.00 p.m.

Sun. 8th: Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 11th: The Dirt Daubers (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Thurs. 12th: The Dirt Daubers (USA), Enler Delta Blues Club, Belfast
Slim Pickins, Odessa Club, Dame Court, Dublin 2; doors 8.30 p.m., show 9.00 p.m., adm. €10/€8

Fri. 13th: The Dirt Daubers (USA), Whelan's Upstairs, Wexford St., Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 13th-Sun. 15th: 22nd Athy Bluegrass Music Festival, GAA Centre, Dublin Road, Athy, Co. Kildare; 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), Niall Toner Band, Bending the Strings, Tennessee Hennessees, Woodbine, plus 'Tribute to Doc Watson' by Clem O'Brien (Sun.). Pre-booking advisable: phone/text +353 (0)85 1656685; e-mail

Sat. 14th: Centenary of the birth of Woody Guthrie
Slim Pickins, Barry's, Grange, Co. Sligo, with the Grizzly Dippers, doors 9.00 p.m.; €10/€5

Mon. 16th: 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Mon. 16th-Sun. 29th: Galway Arts Festival; music programme includes Dave Alvin & the Guilty Ones, Gretchen Peters, Henry Girls, many more

Tues. 17th: Punch Brothers (USA), Whelan's, Dublin, 8.00 p.m.
4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Wed. 18th: 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), Pikers Lodge Hotel, Gowna, Co. Cavan
Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, Blackrock GAA Club, Church Rd, Cork city, 9.00 p.m.; 087 2944821

Thurs. 19th: 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), House concert, Gowna, Co. Cavan
Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, O'Donovans Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.; 023 8833250

Fri. 20th: Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.; 086 8599615

Fri. 20th-Sun. 22nd: 5th Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal: 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), Woodbine, Tennessee Hennessees

Fri. 20th-Mon. 23rd: 26th Guildtown Bluegrass Music Festival, Guildtown, Perthshire, Scotland: Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa (USA), Rough and Rocky Road (CZ), Goldrush, Home Made Jam, Dapper McDans, Blue Horyzon, New Redwing, Little Giants, Kentucky Cow Tippers, John Weighell & Co.

Sat. 21st: Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, Malone's Bar/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare 9.30 p.m.; 087 6881650

Sun. 22nd: Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, private party

Mon. 23rd: Velvet Blue (USA) + Kentucky Hoedowners dance group, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; 087 7921771

Wed. 25th: Cairncastle Ulster Scots Bluegrass and Folk Festival Bluegrass Night, Cairncastle, near Larne, Co. Antrim, from 7.30 p.m.: Juke Joint (Lurgan, Co. Armagh), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), Bending the Strings (Mullingar, Co. Westmeath) (full festival 25-9 July)

Thurs. 26th: Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Blue Cedar Project(country/bluegrass); Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack (guitar duets; trad); Spats Davenport (ragtime blues). 9.30-11.30 p.m.; adm. free

Sun. 29th: Woodbine, Scarecrow Festival, Durrow, Co. Laois, 3.00-5.00 p.m. (open-air show on Durrow's village green)

Mon. 30th: Macrae Sisters (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.

Tues. 31st: Macrae Sisters (USA), McCann's Bar, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 10:30 p.m.


AUGUST 2012

Wed. 1st: Perch Creek Family Jug Band (AUS), Hole in the Wall, Kilkenny city

Wed. 1st-Sun. 5th: La Roche Bluegrass Festival, La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute Savoie, France

Thurs. 2nd: Perch Creek Family Jug Band (AUS), Grand Social, Dublin
Carrivick Sisters (UK), Workman’s Club, Dublin; doors open 8.00 p.m.; €8

Fri. 3rd: Macrae Sisters (USA), the Goat's Toe, Bangor, Co. Down, 8.30 p.m.
Informal acoustic session hosted by Kevin Cray at Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum Rd (R117), Dundrum, Dublin; all welcome for the craic, especially singers and musicians

Fri. 3rd-Mon. 6th: 3rd Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, Greystones, Co. Wicklow; Macrae Sisters (Sat.), Baskervilles, Spellbound, Brian Meakin, Big Muddy, Desert Aces, Sam Flo & the Mojos, Ben Jordan, Paul Coates, Keith Margo, Greasy Coat String Band

Sat. 4th: 'Bluegrass on the Walls', 1.00-4.00 p.m., Derry city: Dirty Blues Band, Cup o' Joe, Janet Holmes & Colin Henry, Down & Out Bluegrass Band, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Well Enough Alone, Sullivan Brothers, Perch Creek Family Jug Band (AUS)
Assorted Bluegrass concert, Craft Village Square, Derry city, 7.30-10.00 p.m.: Carrivick Sisters (UK), Sullivan Brothers with Colin Henry, I Draw Slow (both events part of Maiden City Festival; Maiden City.tv webcast of concert)
Gone to Grass (Pete Lamb, Paul Johnson, Tom Portman), the Gallery Cafe, Gort, Co. Galway, 8.30 p.m.; adm. free

Sun. 5th: Bluegrass Brunch, Craft Village Square, Derry city, 1.00-6.00 p.m.: the Farriers, Amanda Whittaker, White Mansions, Jesse Janes, Murder Balladers, Wookalily (part of Maiden City Festival; Maiden City.tv webcast of concert)
Macrae Sisters (USA), Liss Ard Festival, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Well Enough Alone, McGowan's, Harold's Cross, Dublin; 6.00-8.00 p.m., 10.00-12.00 midnight; adm. free

Mon. 6th: Macrae Sisters (USA), 'Roots Fifty-Six', Fifty Six Bar, Main St., Arklow, Co. Wicklow, 9.00 p.m.

Tues. 7th: Macrae Sisters (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 9th: Lands End, the Oliver Plunkett, Cork city

Fri. 10th: Lands End, the Folk House, Kinsale, Co. Cork

Fri. 10th-Sun. 12th: 2nd Mohill Bluegrass Festival, Mohill, Co. Leitrim: Johnny G, Western String Band, Bucket of Bees Revival, Watery Hill Boys, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, plus on-street entertainment; for further details, e-mail

Sat. 11th: Woodbine, Raftery's Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway
Lands End, the Nook, Youghal, Co. Waterford

Sun. 12th: Lands End, the Anchor, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

Fri. 17th-Sun. 19th: Jack of Diamonds Rhythm & Roots Festival, venues in central Dublin; Prison Love, I Draw Slow, Larkfield Four, Well Enough Alone, Hanway-Taggart-Sheehan, many more; instrumental and vocal workshops, busking trail

Sat. 18th: Robirohi (EST), with Live Issue and others, Gospelfest, Old Bann Road, Donaghcloney, Co. Down BT66 7PW

Sun. 19th: Robirohi (EST), Maghaberry Elim Church, Co. Antrim, 6.30 p.m.

Mon. 20th: Robirohi (EST), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 07747120659

Thurs. 23rd-Sun. 26th: 18th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Jack Grace Band (USA), Mikey & the Scallywags, Jeff & Vida (USA), Mons Wheeler Band, Land’s End, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Desert Aces, Knotty Pine String Band

Fri. 24th: Niall Toner Band, Killoughternane Community Hall, near Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, near Bagenalstown; €20; phone Jim (087 2612194), Olivia (087 2233307), Hugh (086 8309874), or Sean (087 2609720)
Jeff & Vida (USA), Colfer’s, Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford; +353 (0)51 561159

Sat. 25th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Marketplace Theatre, Armagh city

Sun. 26th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford

Mon. 27th: Jeff & Vida (USA), McCarthy's Bar, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 9.30 p.m.; enquiries 087 7921771

Tues. 28th: Jeff & Vida (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.; enquiries 086 8464509, 086 8599615.

Wed. 29th: Jeff & Vida (USA), St John’s Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 30th: Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Con Butler (bass), and Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro); special guests Billy Byrne & Kevin Cray (folk), Alan Begley & Joe Ryan (Americana), Emma Butler & Aisling McCarthy (contemporary); 9.30-11.30 p.m.; adm. free
Jeff & Vida (USA), The Crane Bar, Galway city

Fri. 31st: Lands End, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, England
Jeff & Vida (USA), The Tally Ho, Longford town
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), the Goat's Toe, Bangor, Co. Down (Open House show)
Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois: Prison Love, Two Time Polka, Niall Toner Band (all Fri.), many more

Fri. 31st-Sun. 2 Sept.: 21st Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (USA), Don Rigsby & Midnight Call (USA), Mandolin Orange (USA), The Branchettes (USA), Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Old Man Luedecke (Canada), Blue Grass Boogiemen (The Netherlands), Covered Grass (Germany), Toy Hearts (England), Clew Bay Critters (Co. Mayo), I Draw Slow (Dublin), Watery Hill Boys (Drogheda), Broken String Band (Co. Down), Northern Exposure (Co. Armagh); Down and Out Bluegrass Band, open mic stage (Sat., Sun.)

Fri. 31st-Wed. 19th Sept.: Arlo Guthrie (USA) tour in Ireland



SEPTEMBER 2012

Sat. Sept. 1st: Lands End, Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, England
Jeff & Vida (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Black Box, Belfast (Open House show)

Mon. 3rd: Peter Rowan (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2
Jeff & Vida (USA), Mick Murphy’s, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Wicklow
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 4th: Peter Rowan (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Wed. 5th: Peter Rowan (USA), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 6th: Peter Rowan (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city; 9.00 p.m., adm. €15 (members €12.50) includes copy of CD (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)
Frank Fairfield (USA), Belfast Barge
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music)

Fri. 7th: Niall Toner Band, Killoughternane Community Hall, near Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, near Bagenalstown; €20; phone Jim (087 2612194), Olivia (087 2233307), Hugh (086 8309874), or Sean (087 2609720)
Frank Fairfield (USA), Button Factory, Dublin city
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Cleeres Theatre Bar, Kilkenny city
Molly Hicks, Crane Bar, Galway, 9.30 p.m., adm. free (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Sat. 8th: Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Hillsborough Oyster Festival, Hillsborough, Co. Down
Frank Hall, Tim Rogers, Ben Keogh, Lena Ullman, Anna Falkenau, Ivan Murray, Crane Bar, Galway, 6.30 p.m., adm. free (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Sun. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, McNamee’s bar, Mullagh, Co. Cavan, 4.00 p.m.
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), house concert, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Mikey & the Scallywags, Crane Bar, Galway, 9.30 p.m. (part of Go Wild in the West Americana Fest)

Mon. 10th: Sara Grey, Mick Murphy's Pub, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Roddens Bar, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

Tues. 11th: Sara Grey, McCarthy's Bar, Main St., Buttevant, Co. Cork
Spirit Family Reunion (USA), Sandino's, Derry city

Wed. 12th: Sara Grey, Carnegie Arts Centre, Shelbourne St., Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 13th: Sara Grey, St John's Theatre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Fri. 14th: Sara Grey, Markethouse Tavern, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Fri. 14th–Sun. 16th: Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, Cornwall, UK: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, many more

Sat. 15th: Sara Grey, Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society: daytime workshops 10.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.; evening concert 7.30 p.m., £10 (£8 concession); Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH

Sun. 16th: Sara Grey, Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society: morning workshops (9.30-1.30), Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast BT7 1NH

Tues. 18th: Bluegrass session, Green's, Kinvara, Co. Galway; 9.00 p.m. all welcome

Wed. 19th: Michael J. Miles, 'From Senegal to Seeger' (musical survey of banjo history), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 20th-Sun. 23rd: 11th Annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Tullamore, Co. Offaly: Suzy Bogguss (USA), Paul Brady, Blue Highway (USA), Don Rigsby & Charlie Sizemore (USA), George Harper (USA), Mundy, Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor, Beoga, Electric Ceili, We Banjo 3 (feat. Enda Scahill), Niall Toner, Chris Meehan & his Redneck Friends, the Barcelona Bluegrass Band (E), Bending the Strings, Blackjack (CZ), Michael J. Miles

Fri. 21st: Woodbine, Tuohy's, Rathdowney, Co. Laois (with Clem O'Brien)
Watery Hill Boys, Highlanes Gallery, Laurence St., Drogheda, 6.00-7.00, 8.00-9.30 p.m.; associated with opening of Sarah Browne's exhibition 'Second burial at Le Blanc', 7.00 p.m.; supper available from 6.00 p.m. (Culture Night)
Sacred Harp Singers of Dublin, Exchange, Exchange St., Temple Bar, 6.50-7.50 p.m. (Culture Night)

Sat. 22nd: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Conary Community Hall, Avoca, Co. Wicklow
Woodbine, Joe Lee's, Church St., Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 10.00 p.m. (as part of Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival 'fringe')

Mon. 24th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Mon. 24th-Sun. 30th: International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, Nashville, TN, USA

Tues. 25th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), the Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 26th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 27th: Water Tower Bucket Boys (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Session Americana (USA), Tom Malone's Market House Bar, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Fri. 28th: Session Americana (USA), Whelan's, Wexford St., Dublin 2

Fri. 28th-Sun. 30th: Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland: Knotty Pine String Band (Omagh), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), New Redwing (Scotland), High Speed Grass (Scotland); more TBC

Fri. 28th-Sun. 30th: 3rd Inishowen Guitar Festival, Culdaff, Co. Donegal: Muriel Anderson (USA), many others

Sat. 29th: Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band (USA), Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ. Tickets online advance price £10.00; door price £12.50; doors 8.00 p.m. 'Strictly over 18s'
Session Americana (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Sun. 30th: Session Americana (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow


OCTOBER 2012

Mon. 1st: Session Americana (USA), Colfer's Pub, Carrick on Barrow, Co. Wexford

Wed. 3rd: Session Americana (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city

Thurs. 4th: Session Americana (USA), Bluestacks Music Festival, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal

Fri. 5th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: The Pavilion, Cork city
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 5th-Sun. 7th: 4th Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Bending the Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Sun.), Knotty Pine String Band, Red Cloud Bluegrass, Southern Bluegrass Union, Watery Hill Boys, Woodbine (Sat.); 'phone Jack Clancy, 061 382488

Sat. 6th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: An Spailpin Fanach, Cork city

Sun. 7th: Session Americana (USA), Cork Folk Festival: Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Fri. 12th: Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Sat. 13th: GrassStock bluegrass, Americana, and roots music festival, Haymarket Arcade, Belfast: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Acoustic Dan & the Black Mountain River Dipsos, Ciaran MacElhinney, Cup o' Joe, White Mansions, Wookalily, many more

Sat. 13th-Sun. 14th: Irish Steel Guitar Festival 2012, Green Isle Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin

[Sun. 14th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois ('High Nellie Day', for cycle enthusiasts): gig and High Nellie Day cancelled because of clash with major sports fixture]

Fri. 19th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.
'An Evening of American Honky Tonk Country Music': Breffni Bluegrass in concert, County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan, 8.30 p.m.; adm. €5.00; for more details, call 049-8544070 or e-mail.

Fri. 19th/Sat. 20th/Sun 21st: Kilworth Bluegrass Weekend, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork: High Plains Tradition (USA), the Kellehers (Cork city), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), Gordon & Rosie (Cork); workshops, sessions, gospel performances (Sun.); details here; bookings and inquiries: 087 7921771

Mon. 22nd: High Plains Tradition (USA), private party

Tues. 23rd: High Plains Tradition (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m. (a Sixmilebridge Folk Club presentation); 086 8464509/ 086 8599615

Wed. 24th: High Plains Tradition (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; booking 068 22566

Thurs. 25th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Tom Malone's/Market House, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.; 087 6881650
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Hawkins/Cusack old-time string trio, Factor One (folk), Spats Davenport & the Sugar Moon Boys (ragtime blues); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free
Woody Guthrie Centenary tribute presented by Lost Highway Show, Tully's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 9.00 p.m.: Fia Rua, Paul Mulligan, Pete Lamb, John Martyn, Stuart Walker. €8 waged, €5 unwaged. all proceeds to Galway Rape Crisis Centre

Fri. 26th: High Plains Tradition (USA), the Tearoom Sessions, Brewery Lane Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.; booking 087 1205353
Dog Ruff String Band, the Green Room, Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Belfast BT1 2LA; special guests, Open House folk/Americana/hillbilly DJ sets, adm. free, 6.00-11.00 p.m.

Fri. 26th-Sun. 28th: Sara Grey & Ben Paley, South Roscommon Singers' Festival, Knockcrogherty, Roscommon

Fri. 26th-Mon. 29th: 4th Balla Bluegrass Festival, Mannion's and the Olde Woods, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo; Molly Hicks (Fri.); High Plains Tradition (USA; Sat. & Sun.), Woodbine (Sun.), Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Fri.-Sat.); Colonel Bullshot (Mon.); 2296018

Sat. 27th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together (instruction + jamming), Island Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to noon; all bluegrass instruments and all standards of players welcome

Sun. 28th: Annual Horse Fair, Mohill, Co. Leitrim:  Watery Hill Boys, O'Brian's Tavern, Glebe St., 9.00-11.00 p.m.; daytime and evening jams; musicians welcome

Mon. 29th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Tues. 30th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Weigh Inn Bar, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 31st: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry


NOVEMBER 2012

Thurs. 1st: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Sky and the Ground, Wexford town

Fri. 2nd: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Belfast Barge, Belfast
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Fri. 2nd-Sat. 3rd: Dangem Bluegrass presents a Banjo Teaching Weekend by John Dowling (UK), Spectrum Centre, Shankhill Road, Belfast; registration 7.00 p.m. (Fri.), workshop 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. (Fri.), 10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. (Sat.), plus concert by John and the Down and Out Bluegrass Band (7.30-9.00 p.m; full details

Sat. 3rd: Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn, Mick Daly, Croc an Oir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.; +353 52 9153117

Sun. 4th: Random Canyon Growlers (USA), the Fifty-Six Bar, Arklow, Co. Wicklow; afternoon show, 3.00 p.m.

Mon. 5th: Punch Brothers (USA), Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ; tickets - online advanced £18.50; door price £22.50; doors 7.30 p.m.; strictly over 18s; no support (Open House show)

Fri. 9th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 10th: Jim Rooney, Arty McGlynn, Mick Daly, Tullamore Rugby Club, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, 9.00 p.m., adm. €15; special guests Louise Killeen, Brendan Emmet. Phone/text Ray (086 3880057) or Tom (087 2238040) to book seats

Fri. 16th: Trampled by Turtles (USA), McHugh's basement bar, 29-31 Queen's Square, Belfast BT1 3FG. Doors 7.30 p.m.; tickets (online advance £8.50; door £11.50) available online (Open House show)
Hugh Taggart & Martin McWhorter (from Well Enough Alone), Sean Mac D's, Harold's Cross, Dublin; 9.30-11.00; no cover charge, all welcome

Sat. 17th: Trampled by Turtles (USA), Workman's Club, Dublin

Fri. 23rd: Hugh Taggart (guitar) & John Denby (mandolin), Sean Mac D's, Harold's Cross, Dublin, from 9.30 p.m.; adm. free, all welcome

Sat. 24th: Bluegrass and Americana at the Cobblestone, Dublin 7: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Well Enough Alone, Blood Red Mountain Band, 9.00 p.m.
The Island Music Club presents Tom Hanway & Dave Harper, The Highway, Crusheen, Co. Clare. Doors open 9:15 p.m.; adm. €12; bookings 086-859-9957

Thurs. 29th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Gerry Campbell & Michael McIver (soul), Lynda Lucas & the Natural Born Heathens (country), Spats Davenport (ragtime blues);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


DECEMBER 2012

Sat. 1st: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together (instruction + jamming), Island Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4RL, 9.30/10.00 a.m. to noon; all bluegrass instruments and all standards of players welcome
Niall Toner opens a new series of Roots Freeway on RTE Radio One, 11.00 p.m.

Fri. 7th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
I Draw Slow, The Lodge, Mallow, Co. Cork, kickoff 9.00 p.m.

Wed. 12th:  International Bluegrass Music Appreciation Day

Thurs. 13th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Gallery Cafe, Gort, 8.00 p.m. (with Paul Johnson, bass)
Front Porch Sessions, Aras An Mhuillinn, Mount St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, 8.00 p.m. (bluegrass, folk, country, roots, traditional, and Celtic music): Bending The Strings, Johnny Gleeson (dobro, vocals), many others

Fri. 14th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Crane Bar, Galway city (workshop followed by show) (with Paddy Jordan, bass)
Anna Falkenau, Lena Ullman, and Ivan Murray (The FUM Trio), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin; supported by Greasy Coat Stringband
Paddy Kiernan and Friends, Hannan's Bar, St James' St., Dublin, from 10.00 p.m.

Sun. 16th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Blackrock GAA Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork (Christmas party for all friends and supporters of the Club), 9.00 p.m., no cover charge (trio Ivor/Pete/Tom)

Tues. 18th: Gone to Grass with Ivor Ottley, Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare (with Paddy Jordan, bass)

Thurs. 20th: I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Dublin
Tom Hanway and Hugh Taggart, Sweeney's Mongrel, Dame St., Dublin 2, 5.00-7.00 p.m.
Tom Hanway and Breffni Bluegrass, JPs, Main St., Cavan, 10.00-midnight

Fri. 21st: Broken String Band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: Prison Love, Midnight at Sweeney’s Bar, Dame St./Dame Lane, Dublin 2

Wed. 26th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois

Thurs. 27th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Cathy McEvoy, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Factor One (folk), Emma Butler (contemporary), Paul Hennessy (country), Spats Davenport (ragtime blues);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 28th:  Dublin Sacred Harp Singers, Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, 7.00-9.00 p.m.; call 087 2355978 for admission if no response to door

Sat. 29th: Folk the Recession: Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane, Paul Kelly, Brendan Begley, Mike Hanrahan; Áras Chrónáin, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Phone 01-4574847. 9.00 p.m.; €20 (€18)

Sun. 30th: Gone to Grass (without Ivor Ottley), Green's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway, 4.00 p.m.


JANUARY 2013

Tues. 1st: Kory Quinn (USA), The Sky & the Ground, Wexford town, 9.30 p.m.

Wed. 2nd: Kory Quinn (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 3rd: Kory Quinn (USA), The Oliver Plunkett, Cork city, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 4th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Sat. 5th: Kory Quinn (USA), Lynam's of Laragh, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 8th:  Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs, the Errigle Inn, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, from 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 16th: Special Consensus (USA), Barry's, Grange, Co. Sligo

Thurs. 17th: Special Consensus (USA), Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, +44 (0)28 7776 0650

Thurs. 17th-Sun. 20th: Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare: Special Consensus (USA), Lilly of the West (Bulgaria), Bending the Strings, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, many other acts and events

Fri. 18th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Special Consensus (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, +353 (0)1 802 0898

Sat. 19th: Special Consensus (USA), Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, +353 (0)86 846 4509
Myshall Sports Complex fundraiser, Myshall Community Centre, Co. Carlow: Niall Toner Band, Lofires; book from Ashling Kavanagh (086-9674241), or at Myshall post office from Mary or Vincent

Sun. 20th: Special Consensus (USA), Damer Court Hotel, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, +353 505 23300

Mon. 21st: Special Consensus (USA), Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Wicklow

Tues. 22nd: Special Consensus (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, +353 (0)68 22566

Wed. 23rd: Special Consensus (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city, +353 (0)91 587419
Breffni Bluegrass (feat. Tom Hanway), Newgrange Hotel, Bridge St., Navan, Co. Meath, 10.00 p.m.

Thurs. 24th: Special Consensus (USA), Regional Arts Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, +353 (0)74 912 9186
Breffni Bluegrass (feat. Tom Hanway), JP's Bar, 57 Main St., Cavan, Co. Cavan, 10.00 p.m.

Fri. 25th: Special Consensus (USA), Marketplace Theatre, Armagh city, +44 (0)28 3752 1821
Aoife O'Donovan (USA), Ballincollig, Co. Cork (as part of Winter Music Festival)
Watery Hill Boys, Carberry's pub (Tí Chairbre), Drogheda, Co. Louth
Dangem banjo lessons for beginners, Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA, 7.00–9.00 p.m.
Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), live on RTÉ's Late Late Show

Sat. 26th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL, 10.00 a.m.–12.00 noon
Special Consensus (USA), 8.00 p.m., the Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork, +353 (0)29 56239
Watery Hill Boys, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Sun. 27th: Colfer's Festival of American Country, Bluegrass and Roots, Colfer's Pub, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford, 6.00 p.m.: Special Consensus (USA), The Once (Newfoundland), Frankie Lane, Woodbine; €20; +353 (0)51-561159, 086 3026460

Mon. 28th: Special Consensus (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, +353 (0)87 792 1771: booked out

Wed. 30th: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), Vicar Street, Dublin; doors 7.30 p.m., showtime 8.30; tickets €26; with Johnnyswim

Thurs. 31st: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), with Johnnyswim , Mandela Hall, QUB Students Union, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NF; tickets advance online price £19.50 (door price £23) available from 9 a.m. Mon. 22 Oct. 2012; doors 7.30 p.m., strictly over-18s (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick; special guests Paul Hennessy (singer/songwriter), Pat Killalea & Cathal Cusack (Irish music: guitar duets), Red Clay Halo (Americana);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


FEBRUARY 2013

Fri. 1st: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
Old Tire Swingers (USA), the Green Room at the Black Box, Belfast (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)

Sat. 2nd: Dublin Sacred Harp Singers, Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin, 2.30 p.m.: 1st anniversary celebration, all welcome
Old Tire Swingers (USA), the Goat’s Toe, Bangor, Co. Down (part of Open House Winter Weekender, 31 Jan.-3 Feb.)
Prison Love, Sweeney's Mongrel, Dame St., Dublin 2, from midnight; adm. free

Sun. 3rd: Old Tire Swingers (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Tues. 5th: Old Tire Swingers (USA), Whelan’s, Dublin 2

Wed. 6th: Old Tire Swingers (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Thurs. 7th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Spirit Store, George’s Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth; 8.00 p.m., €12; box office/info 042 935 2697, e-mail

Fri. 8th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett St., Ballina, Co. Mayo; 8.00 p.m., €15; tickets/info 096 73593

Sat. 9th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Macroom, Co. Cork; 8.00 p.m., €15; info 026 41793

Sun. 10th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St., Cork city; adm. free; onstage 12 midnight to 2.00 a.m.; info 021 427 8487
Aoife O'Donovan (USA), Whelan's Main Stage, Dublin 2, with Jake Silver (bass), support by Jeffrey Foucault and Ry Cavanaugh; 8.30 p.m.; tickets €15 from WAV
Niall Toner Band, the Stag's Head Raw, Dame Court, Dublin 2; book by e-mail

Tues. 12th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 7.30 p.m., £10; bookings e-mail, 07747 120659 (after 6.00 p.m.)

Wed. 13th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim; 8.00 p.m., £9/7; bookings e-mail, 028 2766 0230

Thurs. 14th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Crane Bar, 2 Sea Rd, Galway city; 8.00 p.m. €12.50 (€10 members); 091 587419

Fri. 15th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), Upstairs in Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2; 8.00 p.m. €10 advance, €12 on door WaV box office 1890 200 078

Fri. 15th-Sun. 17th: FOAOTMAD old-time music festival, Gainsborough, Lincs., England

Sat. 16th: Southern Folk Tenant Union (UK), The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; 8.00 p.m., €15; box office 0504 90204

Sun. 17th: Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 20th-Sun. 24th: 9th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival and Song Writing Convention, Belfast

Fri. 22nd: I Draw Slow, Whelan's, Dublin 2; €10; doors 8.00 p.m.
Dangem Bluegrass banjo lessons for beginners, Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA, 7.00–9.00 p.m.

Sat. 23rd: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lagan Valley Island Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT27 4RL, 10.00 a.m.–12.00 noon

Tues. 26th: Dublin Bluegrass: first of a new series of weekly bluegrass circle jams, Siné Bar, Ormond Quay, Dublin, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the McGrane Family, Con Butler, Gerry Fitzpatrick, with Christian Volkmann; special guests the Hot Dots (mandolin/ukulele), Angie McLaughlin (ukulele swing), Alan Begley & Friends (Americana);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


MARCH 2013

Fri. 1st: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Tues. 5th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), the Weigh Inn, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 6th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Whelan’s, Dublin 2

Thurs. 7th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), the Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Fri. 8th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Conary Community Hall, Avoca, nr Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Sat. 9th: Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Lynhams Hotel, Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Knotty Pine String Band, Market Place Theatre, Armagh city, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 10th: Hugh Taggart and Martin McWhorter of Well Enough Alone at the RDS, Dublin 4, 1.00-1.30 p.m. (part of the Festival Of World Cultures)
Rose's Pawn Shop (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Mon. 11th: Frankie Lane, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; 9.00 p.m., €12 (€10 booked in advance, 086 327 0780)

Wed. 13th: 'Emigrant's wake', Donegal castle, Donegal town (American civil war theme), includes Alec Somerville (vocals, old-time banjo)

Thurs. 14th: Two Time Polka O'Driscoll's Bar, Douglas, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4369387

Fri. 15th: Janet Dowd and band, the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10

Fri. 15th-Sun. 17th: Bluegrass Weekend at Rafterys Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway; contact Peter Larkin

Sat. 16th: Bending the Strings (4-piece - Gerry Madden, mandolin): two different sets in Market Square, 6.00 p.m., and Fergie's ('Characters'), 9.00 p.m., both in Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Sun. 17th: Two Time Polka Centenary Stores, Charlotte St., Wexford town. Kickoff 1.00 pm. Adm. free. Tel. 053 9122303
The Tin Box Company, Delany's, Knocklyon, Dublin, 5.00-8.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka The Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209
Tom Hanway (USA) and Hugh Taggart (of Well Enough Alone), McNamee's, Mullagh, Co. Cavan, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 22nd-Sun. 24th: Springtime Bluegrass Festival, Spells Bar, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon: Colonel Bullshot Rides Again (Fri.), Woodbine (Sat.), Banjaxed Bluegrass Band (Sun.); no cover charge

Mon. 25th: Niall Toner Band, Village Arts Centre, Kilworth. Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests the Hot Dots (Hawaiian), Zuppa Mista (Latin/Folk), Dave Hardy (clarinet/sax);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 30th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, J's Hotel, Mohill, Co. Leitrim; with draw for €300 Easter hamper and a TV. (€2 to enter); 9.00 p.m. start


APRIL 2013

Thurs. 4th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare, 8.30 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Thurs. 4th-Mon. 15th: Michael J. Miles (USA), tour with one-man show 'From Senegal to Seeger: stories of the American banjo'
Thurs. 4th-Mon. 22nd: Ken Perlman (USA) in Ireland

Fri. 5th: Frankie Lane, Eleanor Shanley, Paul Kelly, and 'Folk the Recession', Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin, 8.00 p.m. (a Musiclee.ie production)

Sat. 6th Apr.: Michael J. Miles (USA) live on Shannonside Radio (10.00 a.m.) and on RTE (10.00 p.m.) with Sandy Harsch
Hugh Taggart (guitar) and John Denby (mandolin), The Hatch pub, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co. Dublin, from 9.00 p.m.

Sun. 7th: Michael J. Miles (USA), TBC

Mon. 8th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork (double bill with Ken Perlman (USA)), 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771
Al Scorch & his Country Soul Ensemble (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m. (start of tour till 18 Apr.)

Tues. 9th: Michael J. Miles (USA) and Ken Perlman (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; tel. John Nyhan, 0877921771

Wed. 10th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Clonakilty, Co. Cork (tent.)

Thurs. 11th: Michael J. Miles (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; 068 22566

Fri. 12th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
Michael J. Miles (USA), Market Theatre, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.; 087 688 1650
Ken Perlman (USA), Angler's Rest (upstairs), Carrigrohane, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support), tel. Pat Kelleher 086 6062504

Sat. 13th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: banjo workshop, 2.00 p.m.; 'Senegal to Seeger', 8.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Ken Perlman (USA), Muintir Na Tíre Hall, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m. (with support). tel John Nyhan 0877921771
Two Time Polka, Blackrock Hurling Club ('The Rockies'), Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4357377

Sun. 14th: Michael J. Miles (USA), Banjo Festival, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway: jam session, 2.00 p.m.; 086 8351230
Satch Wright (1949-2013) memorial show, Leeson Lounge, Dublin, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 15th: Ken Perlman (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's 'Stage Inn', Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, tel. Roy Thompson 086 327 0780

Thurs. 18th: Ken Perlman (USA), Cork School of Music lunchtime concert/workshop, 1.00-3.00 p.m., tel. Lorna Lane 087 2443099

Fri. 19th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), The Sunflower, Corporation St., Belfast

Sat. 20th: Ken Perlman (USA) gives two clawhammer banjo workshops at Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 1.30-3.00 p.m. and 3.30-5.00 p.m., tel. John Mardirosian 087 9667183
Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
National Record Store Day (USA)

Sun. 21st: Woodbine, Peig's Bar, 12 Market Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 6.00-8.00 p.m.
Ken Perlman (USA)), Matt Molloy's, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, tel. Uri Kohen 087 7570958

Mon. 22nd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Tues. 23rd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), plus Maeve Toner and Friends (launch of CD, Just for the record), Stag's Head, Dame Court, Dublin 2

Thurs. 25th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Coughlan's, Cork city
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Black Box, Belfast, 8.00 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle); special guests Tim & Richard Hawkins and Cathal Cusack (old-time), Mongoose (contemporary folk), Taylor's Lane (contemporary);  9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 26th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Tea Rooms, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m.
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Sat. 27th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.00 p.m.
Tim Rogers workshop, 'American fiddle tunes - techniques, repertoire, and sources', McGing's Bar, High St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 12.00-2.00 p.m.; pre-booking essential; 'phone (087 9897038) or e-mail

Sun. 28th: Cahalen Morrison & Eli West (USA), Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, 8.00 p.m.


MAY 2013

Thurs. 2nd: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city

Fri. 3rd: Tin Box Company, Langton's, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.

Fri. 3rd-Mon. 6th: Kilkenny Roots Festival; many Americana acts including Woodbine and the Tin Box Company

Sat. 4th: Woodbine, Clubhouse Hotel, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.
11th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl/Baden, Germany (4 US bands)

Sun. 5th: Tin Box Company, Biddy Early's, Kilkenny city, 4.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Springhill Hotel, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.
Tin Box Company, Egan's, Kilkenny city, 10.00 p.m.

Wed. 8th-Mon. 20th: George Harper & John Tomlin (USA) on tour in Ireland

Thurs. 9th-Sun. 12th: 22nd Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork: Casey Driessen, Bruce Molsky, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, many more

Thurs. 9th-Sat. 11th: 16th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands

Fri. 10th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare: Anna & Orla Greaves, Ray McGee, Mick Dunne, Paul McEvoy, guests; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation
I Draw Slow, the Lodge, Mallow, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.; tickets 087/2445541 (presented by AliveOMusic)

Sat. 11th: Skip Gorman and Ron Kane (USA), Cuckoo's Nest, McGirl's, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
Beppe Gambetta (I), Bog Lane Theatre, Mostrim Rd, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

Sun. 12th: Beppe Gambetta (I), Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2

Mon. 13th: Beppe Gambetta (I), The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Thurs. 16th: Beppe Gambetta (I), The Crane, Sea Rd, Galway city

Fri. 17th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Beppe Gambetta (I), McGarrigles, 11 O'Connell St., Sligo town
Tumbling Bones (USA), Killary Sessions on the Killary Fjord, Galway. Ship departs from Nancy’s Point, Leenane, Co. Galway. Doors 6.30 p.m.; tickets €10 at door or call 1800 415151

Sat. 18th: World Fiddle Day
Beppe Gambetta (I), The Stables, Dominick St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Two Time Polka, Roots Music Festival Weekend, The White Horse, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Kickoff 11.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4871388
Tumbling Bones (USA), Mullarkey's at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden, Co. Galway, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Connolly's Bar, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Sun. 19th: Rackhouse Pilfer, Whelan's Front Bar, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2, 7.00 p.m.
Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo

Mon. 20th: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Session, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

Tues. 21st: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Church of Ireland, Bruff, Co. Limerick, 8.00 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10; bookings/more info, call Sharon at 07747120659

Wed. 22nd: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Dolan's Bar, Limerick city

Thurs. 23rd: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Fri. 24th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Kenny's, Main St., Lahinch, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Market House Theatre, Main St., Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Woody Pines (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Two Time Polka, The Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Fri. 24th-Sun. 26th: Berea Bluegrass Band (USA), Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork

Sat. 25th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Tumbling Bones (USA), Patrick's Bar, 6 Market St., Ennis, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co. Cork
Woody Pines (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Two Time Polka, Ballyhooly Arts Festival: The Old Forge Yard, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Open-air.

Sun. 26th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Roadside Tavern, Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m., adm. free
Beppe Gambetta (I), Colfers, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Woody Pines (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Rackhouse Pilfer, Whelan's Front Bar, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2, 7.00 p.m.

Mon. 27th: Woody Pines (USA), Atlantic Bar, Portrush, Co. Londonderry

Tues. 28th: Woody Pines (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Hard Station, JJ Smyth's, 12 Aungier St., Dublin 2 (part of 'Dublin Guitar Night'); doors 8.00 p.m., music 8.30 p.m., €10

Wed. 29th: Woody Pines (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 30th: Tumbling Bones (USA), McCann's Bar, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: the McGrane Family, Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Christian Volkman (harmonica); guests - Huegrass (folk/bluegrass), Berni Philbin (contemporary folk), and *Roni Stoneman* of the famous Stoneman family on banjo! 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Thurs. 30th May-Thurs. 20th June: Roni Stoneman (USA), 'First Lady of Banjo', in Ireland

Fri. 31st: Rackhouse Pilfer, Monroe's Upstairs, Lower Dominick St., Galway city, 9.30 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), Beehive Bar, Main St., Ardara, Co. Donegal, 9.30 p.m., adm. free (part of Melting Pot Festival)
Tom Hanway (USA), Nancy's Bar, Ardara, 10.00 p.m. (part of Melting Pot Festival)


JUNE 2013

Sat. 1st: Tom Hanway (USA) and Hickory Wind (bluegrass and newgrass), the Greenhouse Bar, Ardara, Co. Donegal, 10.00 p.m. (part of Melting Pot Festival)
Niall Toner Band, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Sun. 2nd: Roni Stoneman (USA), with Hugh Taggart and John Denby, the Purty Loft, Monkstown/Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, 8.30 p.m.; tickets €13 (€10 booked online)
Tumbling Bones (USA), Aras Eanna Arts Centre, Inis Oirr, Árainn, Co. Galway, 8.30 p.m., €5 for students and OAPs

Mon. 3rd: Two Time Polka, Clancy Brothers Music Festival, Sean Healy Park, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary. Open air. On stage at 3.00 p.m. Adm. free

Tues. 4th: Belfast Bluegrass session, Errigle Inn, 312-320, Ormeau Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT7 2GE, 028 9064 1410; 8.30 p.m. onward

Wed. 5th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Whelan's Upstairs, Wexford St., Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m., Greasy Coat Stringband as support act; €15/13

Thurs. 6th: The Bluegrass Micks, the Boathouse (opposite the Marine Hotel, Scotch Quay), Waterford city, 10.00 p.m.; adm. free

Fri. 7th: Woodbine, GAA Centre, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare (supporting Tumbling Bones (USA)); doors 8.00 p.m., starts 9.00 p.m.; €10 door charge
Two Time Polka, Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Kickoff 10.15 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Sat. 8th: Niall Toner launches new book, The nuts and bolts of songwriting, at Borris House, Co. Carlow; 4.30 p.m., €10 (part of Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas)

Tues. 11th: Tumbling Bones (USA), McCarthy’s, Goat St., Dingle, Co. Kerry; starts 9.30 p.m., €10 pay at door or reserve at 066-9151205

Wed. 12th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Old Oak Pub, 113 Oliver Plunkett St., Cork city; starts 10.30 p.m., adm. free

Thurs. 13th: Lands End, Mullarkey's, Clifden, Co. Galway

Fri. 14th: Bluegrass Slow Jam, Walton's New School of Music, George's St., Dublin 2, 6.30-8.00 p.m.
Lands End, Monroes, Galway city
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome

Fri. 14th-Sun. 16th: 7th Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: Blue Grass Boogiemen (NL), Tumbling Bones (USA), Roni Stoneman (USA), Kidnap Alice (GB), Wildflowers, Tim Rogers, Rocky Top String Band, Molly Hicks, Woodbine, Eilidh Patterson, Tin Box Company, Jukebox Gypsy; more TBA

Sat. 15th: Lands End, Crowley's Music Store, Cork city (5.00 p.m.); Charlies Bar, Cork city (10.00 p.m.)

Sun. 16th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Mannion's, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo
Woodbine, Bob's Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois
Lands End, Ballydehob Maritime and Folk Festival, Co. Cork

Mon. 17th: Roni Stoneman (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10; bookings/more info, call Sharon at 07747120659

Wed. 19th-Sun. 23rd: 15th Open House Festival, Belfast: Morgan O'Kane Band, Hillfolk Noir, Belfast American Folk & Roots Club, American sessions, much more

Thurs. 20th: Hillfolk Noir (USA), McCann's, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Fri. 21st: Love:livemusic - National Music Day
Hillfolk Noir (USA), Anchor Bar, Portrush, Co. Antrim

Sat. 22nd: Hillfolk Noir (USA), the Sunflower, Union St., Belfast

Sun. 23rd: The Rock Bottom Boys (Ian Carmichael, banjo; Paul O'Driscoll, double bass; Frank Hall, fiddle; John Faulkner, guitar; Johnny Gleeson, dobro), Raftery's Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, from c.12.00 noon
Hillfolk Noir (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m., £10; bookings/more info, call Sharon at 07747120659

Thurs. 27th: Alec Somerville (clawhammer banjo), Baw-bee Folk and Blues Club, Dumfries, Scotland, 8.00-10.30 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin: Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), Christian Volkman (harmonica); special guests: Tom Horan (country/folk), Red Clay Halo (Americana), and Clarence & the Winters (acoustic-a-go-go!); 9.30-11.30 p.m.; adm. free

Fri. 28th: Alec Somerville (clawhammer banjo), the Lounge, King's Arms, Dalbeattie, Scotland, 8.00 p.m.
Banjo lessons (beginners only), Spectrum Centre, 331 Shankill Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT13 3AA, 028 9050 4555, 7.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m.

Sat. 29th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, jam session, and banjo lessons, Lagan Valley Island Arts Centre, Lisburn BT27 4RL, 028 9250 9292, 9.30 a.m.-12.00 noon
Two Time Polka, Briar Rose Bar, Douglas Rd, Cork. Kickoff 9.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4291686
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Mini Music Festival, the Plough, Hillsborough, Co. Down, 3.00-6.00 p.m.


JULY 2013

Thurs. 4th: Woodbine, Clancy's, Bruff, Co. Limerick

Thurs. 4th-Sun. 7th: 25th North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy: Peter & Ellen Vigour (USA) with Ray Banks; 4 Wheel Drive (NL); Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp (USA); Biggin Hillbillies; Brian Golbey; Britannia Band; Chris Moreton; Conwy Mountain Band; Down County Boys; Kidnap Alice; Five and Dimers; Hope Mountain Band; Longway; Monroe's Revenge; the Morris Boys; New Essex Bluegrass Band; Old Grey Dogs; Shake the Roots; and Appalachian dance team Raise the Dust

Sun. 7th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone); e-mail; +44 7747 120659

Mon. 8th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare; e-mail; +353 86 327 0780

Wed. 10th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), De Barra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, Co. Cork; e-mail; +353 23 883 3381

Thurs. 11th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Blackrock GAA Club, Cork city; e-mail; 087 2944821

Fri. 12th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry; e-mail; +353 68 22566

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: 23rd Athy Bluegrass Festival (Facebook), GAA Centre, Dublin Road, Athy, Co. Kildare: Woodbine, Bending the Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Watery Hill Boys, Way Out West, Clem O'Brien, and special guest artists George Kaye (fiddle) and Tom Corbett (mandolin)

Sat. 13th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Copper Café, Allihies, Co. Cork; e-mail; +353 (0)27 73218
Niall Toner Band, Wexford Arts Centre, 8.30 p.m., €15

Sun. 14th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), Tech Amergin Art Centre, Waterville, Co. Kerry; +353 66 9478956; e-mail

Tues. 16th: Ferguson & Barwick (USA), The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin 14; e-mail; +353 01 296 9340

Thurs. 18th: 'WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour' in Dublin: details here

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: 6th Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal: Woodbine, Tennessee Hennessees, more TBA; contact Patsy McGill, 087 6900714

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: Guildtown Bluegrass Festival, Scotland: Red Wine (I), Home Made Jam, Goldrush, Rancho, Little Giants, Fireflies, Kentucky Cowtippers, Dapper McDans, Bernie & the Barnstormers

Sat. 20th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Mini Music Festival, Enler Delta Blues Club, Comber, Co. Down

Tues. 23rd: Funeral mass for Vinny Baker at St Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Co. Westmeath, 11.30 a.m.; cremation at Mount Jerome crematorium, Harold's Cross, Dublin, 2.00 p.m.

Thurs. 25th: Cairncastle Ulster Scots Festival Bluegrass Day: lecture on bluegrass history (2.00-4.00 p.m.); concert with Broken Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Watery Hill Boys, from 7.30 p.m., overall admission £8.00

Fri. 26th-Sun. 28th: Knockanstockan Festival, Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow; scores of acts including Hugh Taggart & Friends
Sun. 28th: Scarecrow Festival, Durrow, Co. Laois: Woodbine, 3.00-5.00 p.m.


AUGUST 2013

Thurs. 1st-Sat. 31st: Open House Festival presents the 400 Festival at Bangor, Co. Down; events include a Bluegrass Picnic

Sat. 3rd: Photo shoot at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 10.00 a.m.: at least 15 banjo players needed (details here)
Bluegrass on the Walls, Derry/Londonderry city: Knotty Pine String Band, Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Wookalily, White Mansions, Janet Holmes, 1.00-4.00 p.m.; old-time/bluegrass concert in Craft Village Square, Greasy Coat String Band, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Well Enough Alone, 7.30-10.00 p.m. (part of Maiden City Festival)

Sat. 3rd-Mon. 5th: 4th Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend, the Beach House and other venues in Greystones, Co. Wicklow; lineup and other details, see website; contact Conor O'Donnell (e-mail)

Sun. 4th: Bluegrass Brunch, Craft Village Square, Derry/Londonderry city: Dog Ruff String Band, Higglers, One for the Road, Janet Holmes Band, Wookalily, Jim Corr, 1.00-6.00 p.m. (part of Maiden City Festival)
Bluegrass Picnic at Ward Park, Bangor, Co. Down: Oh My Darling (Canada), 3.00-5.00 p.m.; adm. free

Wed. 7th: Kinfolk presents the Dublin Bluegrass Collective, White Trash & the Spear Headed Sparraw [sic] Hawks, David Hope; Whelans, Dublin 2, 8.00 p.m., adm. 5 euros

Thurs. 8th-Sun. 11th: Clonmel Busking Festival: Niall Toner Band (Sun.), Soggy Wellie Boys (Sat.)

Fri. 9th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome; €3 donation

Fri. 9th-Sun. 11th: 3rd Mohill Bluegrass Festival, Mohill, Co. Leitrim (Facebook), Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Hard Station, Bees Nees, Greasy Coat String Band, and more; arts-and-crafts stalls, free Bar-BQ, Gipsy Caravan, other attractions; Saturday night concert (three bands) adm. €5, all other events free

Fri. 9th-Sun. 11th: Scottish Autoharp Weekend, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland; featuring Maeve Toner

Sat. 10th: Dog Ruff String Band, the Goat's Toe, Bingham Mall, 53 Main St., Bangor, Co. Down, 8.00 p.m.; adm. free

Mon. 12th: Tim Eriksen (USA), shape-note singing workshop, the Black Box, Belfast, 7.00 p.m.

Tues. 13th: Tim Eriksen (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 15th: Tim Eriksen (USA), Fleadh Ceoil, Derry city

Thurs. 15th-Sun. 18th: BroadOak Bluegrass Band (UK) host mini bluegrass festival, Richmond Inn, Clondra, Co. Longford: concerts, jam sessions, barn dance (Sat. 17th)

Fri. 16th: Rocky Top String Band launch new album Tall pines, Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo
Two Time Polka, Langtons Hotel, John St., Kilkenny city. Start 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 056 7765133

Fri. 16th-Sun. 18th: Jack of Diamonds Rhythm & Roots Festival, venues in Dublin; lineup includes Prison Love, Well Enough Alone, Dublin Bluegrass Collective, Greasy Coat String Band, many more

Sat. 17th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, Co. Londonderry
Two Time Polka, An Tobar Bar, Main St., Ardmore, Co. Waterford. Start 10.00 p.m. Adm. €10. Tel. 024 94166 (Fund-raiser for Cope Foundation)

Sun. 18th: Woodbine, Hollywood, Co. Wicklow; open-air, 9.00 p.m.

Thurs. 22nd-Sun. 25th: 19th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Mary Jean Lewis and the Low Men, Land’s End, Well Enough Alone, Tin Box Company, the Pilgrims, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, more TBA

Fri. 23rd: Two Time Polka, Hotel Doolin, Doolin, Co. Clare. Start 10.00 p,m. Adm. €10 (includes free commemorative Doolin Craft Beer Festival glass). Tel. 065 7074111

Fri. 30th-Sun. 1st Sept.: 22nd Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Lonesome River Band, Cedar Hill, Lynda Dawson & Pattie Hopkins of Kickin' Grass (USA), Rawhide (B), Jaywalkers (GB), Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Woodbine, Broken String Band, Northern Exposure, Tupelo, Well Enough Alone, Down and Out Bluegrass Band

Sat. 31st: Harvest Music Festival, Greyabbey Estate, Greyabbey, Co. Down; adm. £20; tel. 028 9182 6846; lineup includes Hayseed Dixie (USA)


SEPTEMBER 2013

Sun. 1st: 22nd Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone (details above)

Mon. 2nd: Cedar Hill, Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 12th: Demolition String Band (USA), Midnight Ramble, The Oliver Plunkett, Cork city, midnight

Fri. 13th: Demolition String Band (USA), Charlie's Bar, Union Quay, Cork city, 10.00 p.m.

Fri. 13th-Sun. 15th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Newquay, Cornwall, UK

Sat. 14th: Demolition String Band (USA), Olde Fiddle, Mallow, Co. Cork, 10.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, Arnold's Hotel, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal. Start 10.30 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 074 9136208 (part of Dunfanaghy Jazz & Blues Festival)

Sun. 15th: Two Time Polka, Molly's Marquee, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal. 2.00-4.00 p.m. Adm. free (part of Dunfanaghy Jazz & Blues Festival)

Wed. 18th: Demolition String Band (USA), The Atlantic Aparthotel (with Hank Wedel), Bundoran, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 19th: Demolition String Band (USA), Crowley’s, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, 9.30 p.m.

Fri. 20th: Demolition String Band (USA), Cheers, Fermoy, Co. Cork, 10.00 p.m.
Two Time Polka, the Blue Haven, Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork. Start 10.15 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4772209

Fri. 20th-Sun. 22nd: River Valley Bluegrass Session Weekend with Southern Welfare & Friends, River Valley Caravan Park, Redcross, Co. Wicklow; for camping and accommodation info, contact website or ring 0404 41647

Sun. 22nd: Demolition String Band (USA), Commeragh Wild Festival (with Hank Wedel), Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, 3.00-5.00 p.m.
Demolition String Band (USA), The Blackbird, Ballycotton, Co. Cork, 6.30-8.30 p.m.

Mon. 23rd-Sun. 29th: International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, Raleigh, NC, USA (note new location)

Wed. 25th: The Wiyos (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Thurs. 26th: The Wiyos (USA), Raheen Country Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: Luas station in the city direction): the Cabin Sessions House Band [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Dublin Bluegrass Collective, Elga Fox (folk), Emma Butler (contemporary); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free
Two Time Polka, Tatler Jack, Plunkett St., Killarney, Co. Kerry. Start 11.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 064 32361

Fri. 27th: The Wiyos (USA), The Lodge in Mallow, Ballyellis, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 27th-Sun. 29th: 5th Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland; lineup includes Broken Strings Band (east Ulster), Watery Hill Boys (Drogheda), Cup O' Joe (NI), many more

Fri. 27th-Sun. 29th: Bunratty Banjo Pickers Festival (all genres), Bunratty, Co. Clare: Down the Road (USA),  Banjaxed Bluegrass Band, BanjaBill All Stars, many more; Facebook

Sat. 28th: The Wiyos (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Main St., Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 29th: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Ards Guitar Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down
The Wiyos (USA), The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, 8.00 p.m.

Mon. 30th: Down the Road (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; with support act Jacob's Ladder (six-piece gospel group); 087 7921771


OCTOBER 2013

Tues. 1st: Down the Road (USA), TBA

Wed. 2nd: Down the Road (USA), St John's Arts Centre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m. tel 068 22566

Thurs. 3rd: Down the Road (USA), Dolan's Bar, Dock Road, Limerick, 9.00 p.m. Tel. 061 314483

Fri. 4th: Rackhouse Pilfer, Kenilworth Barnbuster, Kenilworth Bowling Club, Rathmines, Dublin 6 (fundraiser for MS Ireland); plus finger food, spot prizes, raffle, prizes for best outfit and for riding Bucking Bronco; tickets 20 euro from Bourke's Pharmacy, 220 Lower Rathmines Road or ring/text Norabeth Hogan on 087 750 4906
Two Time Polka, Uluru Bar, Dunmore Rd, Waterford city. Start 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 051 855333
I Draw Slow, the Grand Social, Dublin; doors open 8.00 p.m.; tickets €12 at the door
Down the Road (USA), The Tallyho Bar, New St., Longford, 9.30 p.m. Tel. 043 3346594

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: 5th Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival, Bruff, Co. Limerick: Bending the Strings, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Knotty Pine String Band, Tennessee Hennessees, Woodbine; more bands and features TBA, plus Horse-shoe Pitching Competition, Donkey Derby, Morning Star Rose Competition; 'phone Jack Clancy, 061 382488; e-mail

Sat. 5th: Down the Road (USA), Rodden's Bar, Main St., Buncrana, Co. Donegal, 9.30 p.m. Tel. 074 9320790

Sun. 6th: Down the Road (USA), Matt Molloy's Bar, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m. Tel. 098 26655

Fri. 11th: 'Bluegrass goes to town': concert with Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Knotty Pine String Band, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Stompin' Dave Allen (GB), Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Kay & Patrick Crouch (Strictly Clean and Decent), Milan Miller, Tall Paul, Kristie Bobal, Kevin Leftwich (all USA): Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.
Watery Hill Boys launch new album Somebody's been usin' that thing, Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell St., Drogheda, Co. Louth; 8.30 p.m.; free CD for everyone in audience; booking online
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club: First Anniversary Celebration, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; 8.30 p.m.; all welcome

Sat. 12th: Stompin' Dave Allen (GB) at the Cork Folk Festival:
9.30 p.m, An Spailpin Fánach, supporting I Draw Slow; 10.00 p.m.-2.00 a.m.: Festival Club at the Imperial Hotel, also featuring Seamus Begley & Jim Murray, Matthew (Mattu) Noone & Tommy Hayes, Arundo & the Boat Band, plus trad Irish session with Cuas (Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Liam Stapleton, Matt Griffin)

Sun. 13th: Stompin' Dave Allen (GB), Cork Folk Festival: 11.45 p.m.: Crane Lane Theatre; end-of-festival party, with Hot Guitars
Southern Welfare, Nicky's Bar, Mayor's Walk, Waterford city, 7.00-9.00 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 19th-Sun. 20th: Irish Steel Guitar Association Festival, Green Isle Hotel, Dublin

Wed. 23rd: Locust Honey String Band (USA), Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Thurs. 24th: Locust Honey String Band (USA), Sligo Live Festival, Sligo town

Fri. 25th: 'Bluegrass goes to town': concert with Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Knotty Pine String Band, Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Locust Honey String Band (USA), Sligo Live Festival, Sligo town

Fri. 25th-Mon. 28th: 5th Balla Bluegrass Festival, Mannion's and Olde Woods, Main St., Balla, Co. Mayo: Banjaxed Bluegrass Band, Bending the Strings, Colonel Bullshot Rides Again, Howling Crimes, Rocky Top String Band, Woodbine

Sat. 26th: Locust Honey String Band (USA), Sligo Live Festival, Sligo town
Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon

Sun. 27th: Locust Honey String Band (USA), The John Hewitt, Donegall St., Belfast (afternoon)
Locust Honey String Band (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (evening)

Thurs. 31st: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin House Band - Spats Davenport (guitar), Con Butler (bass), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dobro), Cathy McEvoy (fiddle), and Christian Volkmann (harmonica) - with special guests the Sacre Blues Band (French swing), Cathal Cusack, Pat Killalea, and Kevin Cray (folk), and Marion McEvoy (contemporary folk); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


NOVEMBER 2013

Fri. 1st: Knotty Pine String Band, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 3rd: Old Hannah (also on Facebook and Breaking Tunes): country, bluegrass, and western swing at the Harbour Bar, Bray, Co. Wicklow, from 9.00 p.m.; adm. free

Tues. 5th: Belfast Bluegrass Session, the Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 2GE; begins 8.30 p.m.; 028 9064 1410; e-mail
Chris Thile of the Punch Brothers, in concert, Pepper Canister Church, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2, 7.30 p.m.; tickets can be booked online

Thurs. 7th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Town Hall, Bangor, Co. Down, 7.30 p.m., 028 9127 0371
Pokey LaFarge (USA), the Limelight, 17 Ormeau Ave., Belfast BT2 8HD; doors 8.00 p.m., show 9.00 p.m.; £14.50

Fri. 8th: The Tillers (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Christchurch cathedral, Waterford city, 7.30 p.m.
Pokey LaFarge (USA), the Village, 26 Wexford St., Dublin 2, with Minnie & the Illywhackers; 8.00 p.m.; €20

Sat. 9th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, €16, 7.30 p.m., +353 (0)1 802 0898
The Tillers (USA), Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth, 8.00 p.m.

Sun. 10th: The Tillers (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city
Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Murphy’s Bar, Low St., Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, adm. free; 7.00 p.m., +353 56 772 4160

Mon. 11th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St., Cork city, adm. free, 11.00 p.m.; 021 427 8487

Tues. 12th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), St John’s Theatre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 7.30 p.m., 068 22566

Wed. 13th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Allihies Mining Museum, Allihies, Beara, Co. Cork, 7.30 p.m.

Thurs. 14th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), De Barra's,55 Pearse St., Clonakilty, Co. Cork, 7.30 p.m.; +353 (0)23 883 3381

Fri. 15th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Carnegie Arts Centre, Shelbourne St., Kenmare, Co. Kerry, 7.30 p.m.; 064 66 48701

Sat. 16th: Southern Tenant Folk Union (GB), Upstairs at Dolan’s, Dock Rd, Limerick city, 7.30 p.m., €12 (students €8); box office (061) 314 483 EXT1, venue (061) 314 483
Athy Bluegrass Music Association benefit night at GAA Centre, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare, in aid of St Vincent's Hospital (Athy) new Alzheimer's unit; 9.00 p.m., €5; music by Woodbine & Friends

Fri. 22nd-Sun. 24th: FOAOTMAD old-time workshop weekend, tutors Mary Gordon and Hilary Dirlam (USA), Cheddar, Somerset, England

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin House Band [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (f), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Mongoose (contemporary folk), Blood Red Mountain Band (Americana), Lynda Lucas & the Natural Born Heathens (Americana); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 30th: Dangem Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon


DECEMBER 2013

Tues. 3rd: Belfast Bluegrass Session, begins 8.30 p.m., Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2GE; 028 9064 1410; e-mail

Sat. 7th: Sacred Harp Singers of Dublin All-Day Singing (10.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.), Franciscan Friary, Merchant's Quay, Dublin 8; all welcome
New series of Niall Toner's RTÉ Radio 1 show 'Roots Freeway' begins

Thurs. 12th: Bluegrass Music Appreciation Day

Fri. 13th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; 8.30 p.m.; all welcome
Two Time Polka, the Reg Bar, the Mall, Waterford, 10.30 p.m. Adm. free

Sat. 21st: Rackhouse Pilfer, the Rockies Club, Church Rd, Cork city, 9.00 p.m.; refreshments, no cover charge
Patrick Simpson and Luke Coffey, Biddy's Bar, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Fri. 27th: Dr Tim Sharp's 'Come Away to the Skies: A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass', rehearsal at Christ Church cathedral, Dublin 8, 3.00-4.30 p.m. (cathedral open to public)

Sat. 28th: Dr Tim Sharp's 'Come Away to the Skies: A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass': two sets in the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin 8, 1.00-1.30 p.m. and 2.00-2.30 p.m.
Two Time Polka, the Old Oratory, West Main St., Caherciveen, Co. Kerry. Tel. 087 7473409; 8.15 p.m. (with supports). Tickets (€15) from Camos Restaurant, the Anchor Bar in Caherciveen, and Ritchie at 087 1715949

Sun. 29th: Dr Tim Sharp's 'Come Away to the Skies: A High Lonesome Bluegrass Mass', Taney Church of Ireland church, Dundrum, Dublin 14, 11.00 a.m.
Two Time Polka, South County Bar, West Village, Douglas, Cork. Start 9.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 021 4891574.

Mon. 30th: Two Time Polka, Boyle's Bar, Main St., Slane, Co. Meath. Start 10.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 041 9884747.

Tues. 31st: Two Time Polka, Masterson's Steakhouse, Main St., Swords, Co. Dublin; 10.30 p.m. Adm. €20, or €60 with 3-course meal, mulled wine on arrival, and glass of champagne at midnight



JANUARY 2014

Wed. 1st: Two Time Polka, O'Flaherty's Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Start 4.00 p.m. Adm. free. Tel. 066 9151983

Tues. 7th: Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, Errigle Inn, 312-20 Ormeau Rd, Belfast; 028 90 641410

Sat. 11th: Earl Scruggs Center opens in Shelby, North Carolina

Tues. 14th: Weekly bluegrass jam in central Dublin resumes: from 9.00 p.m., Sin E, Lower Ormond Quay

Thurs. 16th: High Plains Tradition (USA), supported by Woodbine (Athy) and Della Belle (Dundalk), the Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 087-9762337

Thurs. 16th-Mon. 20th: Shannonside Winter Music Weekend, Sixmilebridge/Bunratty, Co. Clare; full lineup here (High Plains Tradition (USA) with Martin Gilmore, Fri. 17th, Sat. 18th, Sun. 19th); Tim Rogers & Clew Bay Critters; many more; tel. 086-1571847, e-mail

Thurs. 16th-Sun. 2nd Feb.: Celtic Connections festival, Glasgow, Scotland

Mon. 20th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; plus Martin Gilmore; tel. 087-7921171

Tues. 21st: High Plains Tradition (USA), Church of Ireland church, Bruff, Co. Limerick, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 086-3027976
Martin Gilmore (USA), O’Neill’s Bar, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m., with Jacob's Ladder (vocal harmony group); tel. 086-8168692

Wed. 22nd: Martin Gilmore (USA), Rory Gallagher Music Library, Grand Parade, Cork city, 1.00 p.m.; tel. 021-4924919
High Plains Tradition (USA), Dolan's Bar, Dock Road, Limerick city, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 061-314483

Thurs. 23rd: Martin Gilmore (USA), Tigh an Cheoil, Baile na nGall, Ring, Co. Waterford, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 087-0640542
High Plains Tradition (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 068-22566

Fri. 24th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Tearoom Sessions, Brewery Lane Theatre, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.; plus Martin Gilmore; tel. 087-1205353
Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Sat. 25th: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon
High Plains Tradition (USA), Mannion's Bar, Balla, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.; plus Martin Gilmore; tel. 087-2296018
Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band, Leap Castle, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary; 9.00 p.m.; for tickets, text 087 2238040

Sun. 26th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Pikers Lodge Hotel, Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan, 7.30 p.m.; plus Martin Gilmore; tel. 086-2268567
Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Festival of American Country, Bluegrass and Roots, Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Mon. 27th: High Plains Tradition (USA), Pikers Lodge Hotel, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan, 8.30 p.m.; plus Martin Gilmore; tel. 086-2268567
Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), The Stage Inn @ Mick Murphys, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

Tues. 28th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Cunningham's Upstairs Venue, Main St., Kildare, Co. Kildare
Elephant Revival (USA), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Co. Tipperary

Wed. 29th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Barry’s, Grange, Co. Sligo
Elephant Revival (USA), Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford city

Thurs. 30th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), The Black Box, Belfast
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (f), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Tom Horan (folk/country), Mike & Carena (Latin folk), Emma Butler (contemporary); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Sligo Film Society, The Model, the Mall, Sligo town, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 31st: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Regional Cultural Arts Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal


FEBRUARY 2014

Sat. 1st: Sacred Harp singing to celebrate second birthday of Sacred Harp Singers of Dublin, 12.00 noon to 4.00 p.m., the Franciscan Friary (new room, accessible from 80 Cook St.)
Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Sun. 2nd: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Matt Molloy's, Westport, Co. Mayo
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Tilt, 451 Ormeau Road, Belfast, 5.00-7.30 p.m.

Mon. 3rd: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Crosshaven Film Club, Cronin's, Crosshaven, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.; also at Riverbank Arts Centre, Main St., Newbridge, Co. Kildare, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 4th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), available for booking
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), St John's Arts & Heritage Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.
Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, upstairs, Errigle Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast, from 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 5th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

Thurs. 6th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), St John’s Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim (part of the 'Cultural Crossings' programme)

Fri. 7th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim

Sat. 8th: Nation & Blackwell Bluegrass Band (USA), Marketplace Theatre, Armagh city, Co. Armagh
Dublin Bluegrass Collective at Tumbleweed Love Sessions, the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin, from 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 9th: Well Enough Alone, the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St., Dublin, 2.15-4.15 p.m.; the Grand Social (Saucy Sundays showcase night), 6.30-7.15 p.m.

Tues. 11th: Stray Birds (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 12th: Stray Birds (USA), the Black Box, Belfast, 7.00 p.m.

Thurs. 13th: Stray Birds (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Fri. 14th: Stray Birds (USA), the Lodge, Mallow, Co. Cork

Fri. 14th-Sun. 16th: FOAOTMAD old-time music festival, Gainsborough, Lincs., England

Sat. 15th: Stray Birds (USA), Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Prison Love, Whelan's, Wexford St., Dublin 2; doors 8.00 p.m., show 9.00 p.m.; entry €10 (includes access to Whelan's late bar and club)

Sun. 16th: Stray Birds (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Galway Film Society, Town Hall Theatre, Galway city, 8.15 p.m.

Mon. 17th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 18th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Ramor Film Club, Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan, 8.00 p.m.

Sat. 22nd: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon

Mon. 24th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Athenry Film Club, Athenry, Co. Galway, 8.15 p.m.

Tues. 25th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Fermanagh Film For All, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 8.00 p.m.; also at Clonakilty Film Club, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.

Wed. 26th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Rockabill Film Society, Skerries, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Thurs. 27th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (f), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Jasper Rua (contemporary guitar), Ciara O'Connor (contemporary folk), Lynda Lucas & the Natural Born Heathens (Americana); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 28th-Sun. 9th Mar.: 10th Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival; Jim Lauderdale, many others


MARCH 2014

Sun. 2nd: Wookalily, You Me and the Sea, Titanic Concert Room, Holiday Inn, Belfast; doors 1.00 p.m., show 1.30 p.m.; seated £5 (part of Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival)

Thurs. 6th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Sailearna Film Club, 8.15 p.m.

Mon. 10th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), East Cork Cinema Club, Great Island Community Centre, Orelia Terrace, Cobh, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.; also at Sulan Film Society, Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Main St., Macroom, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 12th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Abbey Centre, Tirconaill St., Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 13th: Wookalily, Love Coffee, Lurgan, Co. Armagh

Fri. 14th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour View Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome

Sat. 15th: Rackhouse Pilfer, album launch, Model Arts Centre, Sligo, 7.30 p.m., €10
The Blood Red Mountain band, Arthur's Bar, fifth floor of the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, 2.45 p.m.

Sun. 16th: Niall Toner with Richie Foley (mandolin), Kelvin Busher (bass), and Johnny Gleeson (dobro), Stag's Head, Dame Lane, Dublin 2, 4.00-6.00 p.m., adm. €8
Belfast Sacred Harp singing session, Newtownbreda (St John’s) Presbyterian Church Hall, 374-8 Ormeau Road, Belfast, 7.30-9.30 p.m., adm. free (suggested donation £1)
Rackhouse Pilfer, album launch, Model Arts Centre, Sligo, 7.30 p.m., €10
Woodbine and Della Belle, Molly's Bar, Frederick St., Ashbourne, Co. Meath, 9.00 p.m., adm. €7

Mon. 17th: The Blood Red Mountain band, the Arrol suite, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, 2.00 p.m.; Arthurs Bar, ibid., 3.45 p.m.
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow, 8.00 p.m.
Mohill Bluegrass Festival present a raffle (for one night's B&B with dinner for two at Lough Rynn Castle); tickets €3, draw in O'Brian's Bar, Mohill, Co. Leitrim; music by Bees Knees

Tues. 18th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Kilkenny Film Club, Set Theatre, Kilkenny city, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 19th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church St., Portlaoise, Co. Laois, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 21st: Rackhouse Pilfer, album launch, Whelan's, Dublin 2

Sat. 22nd: Rackhouse Pilfer, album launch, Monroe's, Galway city

Sun. 23rd: Rackhouse Pilfer, Crockett's on the Quay, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Mon. 24th: The Isaacs (USA), Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 7.00 p.m.
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Naas Film Club, Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 25th: The Isaacs (USA), Craigavon Civic Centre, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, 7.00 p.m.
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.; also at Cinemax, the Quay, Bantry, Co. Cork, 8.30 p.m.
The Revelers (USA; Cajun), Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

Wed. 26th: The Isaacs (USA), the Spires Centre, Belfast, 7.00 p.m.
The Revelers (USA; Cajun), the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Thurs. 27th: The Revelers (USA; Cajun), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music series)
Rackhouse Pilfer, the Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (f), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Sue Callaghan (contemporary folk), Alan Begley (Americana), Mongoose (contemporary folk); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 28th: The Revelers (USA; Cajun), The Sky and the Ground, Wexford town

Sat. 29th: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon
The Revelers (USA; Cajun), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Sun. 30th: The Revelers (USA; Cajun), Whelans, Dublin 2


APRIL 2014

Wed. 2nd: Rackhouse Pilfer, Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Thurs. 3rd: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Cork Cine Club, St John's Central College, Cork city, 8.00 p.m.
Rackhouse Pilfer, White Horse, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Fri. 4th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Newcastle West Film Club, the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, 8.00 p.m.
Janet Holmes with Colin Henry and Dick Farrelly, Dublin Conservative Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2, 8.30 p.m., €15 (€13)
Rackhouse Pilfer, Eddie Murphy's, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

Fri. 4th-Sun. 6th: Spells Spring Bluegrass Weekend, Spells Bar, Pound St., Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon: Fri. 4th: Well Enough Alone (Dublin), Fri. 9.00 p.m.; acoustic bluegrass session, Sat. 6.00 p.m.; Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Belfast), Sat. 9.00 p.m.; acoustic bluegrass session, Sun. 5.00 p.m.; Rackhouse Pilfer (Sligo), Sun. 7.00 p.m.

Sat. 5th: Janet Holmes with Colin Henry and Dick Farrelly, Punch Bowl, Booterstown, Co. Dublin
Rackhouse Pilfer, the Empire, Belfast

Sun. 6th: Alec Somerville and the 'Canadian soldiers banjo' on BBCTV 'Antiques Roadshow'
Tish Hinojosa and Anny Celsi (USA), Whelan's Upstairs, Wexford St., Dublin 2, 8.30 start; €14 (€12)
Tumbling Bones (USA), Tigh Neachtain, Galway, 9.00 p.m.

Tues. 8th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Co. Westmeath, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 10th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Whelan’s, Dublin 2

Fri. 11th: The Whileaways (Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce, Noelie McDonnell), Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway city, 1.00 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), McGing’s, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.30 p.m.
Tangled Roots (Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane, Paul Kelly, Brendan Begley, and Mike Hanrahan), Dublin Conservative Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2, 9.00 p.m., €17 (€15 reserved in advance)
The Whileaways, (Noriana Kennedy, Nicola Joyce, Noelie McDonnell), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.00 p.m., €13

Fri. 11th-Sun. 13th: Bluegrass Weekend, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway: Southern Welfare at Rafterys Rest

Sat. 12th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Aras Eanna, Inis Oirr, Aran Islands, 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 13th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Mannion’s, Balla, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 14th-Fri. 18th: Sore Fingers Summer School, Kingham Hill School, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England

Tues. 15th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell St., Drogheda, Co. Louth, 8.00 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), Sea Rod Inn, Doohoma, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.

Wed. 16th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Aras Inis Gluaire Community Centre, Belmullet, Co. Mayo (afternoon performance)

Thurs. 17th: The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Tech Amergin Community Arts and Education Centre, Waterville, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.
Tumbling Bones (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, 8.30 p.m.

Sat. 19th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Tumbling Bones (USA), Myles K. McCann's, Omagh, 7 John St., Co. Tyrone, 10.30 p.m.
Rackhouse Pilfer, Strand Bar, Strandhill, Co. Sligo

Sun. 20th: Record Fair, Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, from 10.00 a.m.; adm. free
Tumbling Bones (USA), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Rackhouse Pilfer, Voodoo, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Dublin Bluegrass Collective take part in Battle of Clontarf (1014) millennial celebrations, Dublin

Mon. 21st: Tumbling Bones (USA), Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Tues. 22nd: Tumbling Bones (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone (booking necessary)

Thurs. 24th: Wookalily, AER Music Club, Ards, Co. Down
Tumbling Bones (USA), Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town, 8.30 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (f), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Michael McIver (classical guitar), Grace Tallon (contemporary), Dave Hardy (clarinet/sax); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 25th: Tumbling Bones (USA), supported by Woodbine, Athy GAA Club, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 25th-Sun. 27th: Clarinbridge Banjo Gathering, Clareen, Co. Galway: concerts, workshops, sessions

Sat. 26th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 27th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.

Tues. 29th: Tumbling Bones (USA), Crane Bar, Galway city, 9.00 p.m.


MAY 2014

Thurs. 1st: Royal Roots session, Beggy's bar, Bridge St., Navan, Co. Meath; bluegrass, old-time country, American folk, Cajun, and gospel; from 9.30 p.m., all musicians welcome

Fri. 2nd: Rackhouse Pilfer, the Greyhound, Kilkee, Co. Clare
Woodbine, Rafter Dempsey's, Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival)

Fri. 2nd-Sat. 3rd: 12th International Bühl Bluegrass Festival, Bühl/Baden, Germany

Fri. 2nd-Sun. 4th: Vantastival, Bellurgan Park, Co. Louth: Prairie Dawgs (Dublin), many others

Fri. 2nd-Mon. 5th: 17th Kilkenny Roots Festival

Sat. 3rd: Woodbine, Clubhouse Hotel, Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival)
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Molly's Bar, Frederick St., Ashbourne, Co. Meath, 9.00 p.m., adm. €7

Sun. 4th: Woodbine, Springhill Hotel, Kilkenny city (Kilkenny Roots Festival)

Tues. 6th: Cahalen Morrison and Eli West (USA), The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 7th: Cahalen Morrison and Eli West (USA), Balor Arts Centre, Balleybofey, Co. Donegal
The Broken Circle Breakdown (film), Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m

Thurs. 8th: Birds of Chicago (USA), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Clonmel World Music)
Cahalen Morrison and Eli West (USA), supported by Brittany Haas (f), Jordan Tice (gtr), Paul Kowert (bs); DC Music Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2

Thurs. 8th-Sun. 11th: Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork: Aly Bain, Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, Stephanie Coleman & Cleek Schrey, This Is How We Fly (inc. Nick Gareis, dancer), New Rope String Band, Brittany Haas, Paul Kowert, & Jordan Tice, many others

Fri. 9th: Cahalen Morrison and Eli West (USA), Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Baltimore, Co. Cork

Tues. 13th: John Lowell Band (USA), Rory Gallagher Music Library, Grand Parade, Cork, 11.30 a.m.; tel. 021 4924919
John Lowell Band (USA), O'Neill's bar, Main St., Buttevant, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 087 8168692 (Bluegrass session; musicians welcome)

Wed. 14th: John Lowell Band (USA), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 086 8599615 / 086 8464509

Thurs. 15th: Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried (USA), Sunflower Folk Club, Belfast
John Lowell Band (USA), St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.; tel. 068 22566
Lowell 'Banana' Levinger (USA), Colfer’s, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Fri. 16th: Rackhouse Pilfer, the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Gone to Grass, the Crane Bar, Galway city
John Lowell Band (USA), Tigh an Cheoil, Ballinagaul, Ring, Co. Waterford, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 087 0640542 / 087 9898560
Lowell 'Banana' Levinger (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival launch party, McGing's, Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.: music by the Molly Hicks

Sat. 17th: World Fiddle Day
John Lowell Band (USA), Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, 8.30 p.m.; tel. 0402 38529
Lowell 'Banana' Levinger (USA), Highway Inn, Crusheen (near Ennis), Co. Clare, with special guest Ron Kavana; €12

Sun. 18th: John Lowell Band (USA), Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m.; tel. 087 8300069
Lowell 'Banana' Levinger (USA), Dublin Conservative Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2

Mon. 19th: Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried (USA), Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare
John Lowell Band (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m.; tel. 087 7921771

Wed. 21st: Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried (USA), Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin

Thurs. 22nd-Sun. 25th: Ballyhooly Arts Festival, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork: music programme includes Down & Out Bluegrass Band, Gordon & Rose, P.J. Power, John Nyhan, many others

Fri. 23rd: Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried (USA), Tech Amergin, Waterville, Co. Kerry
Concert and CD launch commemorating Chris Twomey, Spailpin Fanach, 27-9 South Main St., Cork city: Lee Valley String Band, Steam Packet Company, Stokers Lodge, Niall Toner, Johnny Moynihan, Johnny Butler, Jim O'Donnell; 9.00 p.m., adm. €15

Mon. 26th: Winding-up session in Ballyhooly Arts Festival

Thurs. 29th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Richard Hawkins, Tim Hawkins & Cathal Cusack (trad. American), Ballyhorsey Sandpit (Americana), HueGrass (Americana); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Thurs. 29th-Sat. 31st: 17th European World of Bluegrass Festival, Voorthuizen, the Netherlands; Well Enough Alone, many others

Fri. 30th-Sun. 1 June: 4th Fire in the Mountain Festival, Cwmnewidion Isaf, Cnwch Coch, Aberystwyth SY23 4LL, west Wales

Sat. 31st: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon
Woodbine, Tuohy's Bar, Pound St., Rathdowney, Co. Laois, 9.00 p.m.; 087 0675752


JUNE 2014

Wed. 4th: Paperboys (CAN), Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Fri. 6th-Sun. 8th: Coastline Bluegrass Music Event, Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, North Wales LL20 8SW

Sat. 7th: Prison Love, Whelans Upstairs, Dublin 2; kickoff 9.00 p.m. sharp; adm. €10 (includes access to late bar and club)

Fri. 13th-Sun. 15th: 8th Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Westport, Co. Mayo: Loose Moose String Band (UK), Corn Potato String Band (USA), Battenkill Ramblers (D), Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Hat Fitz & Cora Robinson (AUS), Miriam Donohue, Sullivan Brothers, Rocky Top String Band, Tim Rogers & Friends, Jock Tyldesley & Vera van Heeringen (UK), Watery Hill Boys; plus Luthiers' Showcase, Mando Mhaigh Eo, and more

Sun. 15th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Tues. 17th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 18th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Myles K. McCann’s, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Wed. 18th-Thurs. 26th: 16th Open House Festival, Belfast: Cup o' Joe at the Farmers' Folk Club (Thurs. 19th); Corn Potato String Band, Sunflower Bar (Fri. 20th); The Whileaways, Green Room (Sat. 21st); Hillbilly Hell featuring Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Empire Music Hall (Sat. 21st); shape-note singing session with Belfast Sacred Harp (Sun. 22nd)

Thurs. 19th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Fri. 20th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Sunflower Bar, Belfast (Open House Festival)

Sat. 21st: Woodbine, Áras Inis Gluaire (Belmullet Arts Centre), Belmullet, Co. Mayo
Corn Potato String Band (USA), J.J. Harlow’s, Market Square, Roscommon town, Co. Roscommon

Sun. 22nd: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare

Tues. 24th: Gala concert in commemoration of Vinny Baker, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St., Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; doors 7.00 p.m., show 7.45 p.m.

Thurs. 26th: Niall Toner Band, Café du Journal, 17A Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co. Dublin (part of the Crescent Sessions series), 8.00 p.m.; doors open 7.30 p.m.; tickets €12 at the door

Thurs. 26th-Sat. 28th: International Bluegrass Music Museum's ROMP Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival, Yellow Creek Park, Owensboro, KY: Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Dave Grisman, many more (full lineup on website)

Fri. 27th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Source Arts Centre, Cathedral St., Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Sat. 28th: Corn Potato String Band (USA), Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Sun. 29th: Dublin Bluegrass Collective, Sweeneys, Dame St., Dublin 2, 5.00-6.00 p.m., adm. free


JULY 2014

Fri. 4th: Dublin Bluegrass Collective, U.S. Ambassador's Residence, Phoenix Park, Dublin, 5.00-6.00 p.m.
Woodbine, Tuohy's Bar, Pound St., Rathdowney, Co. Laois, 10.00 p.m.; 087 0675752
The Bluegrass House Band leads a celebration of American Independence Day, Raftery's Rest, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway
Well Enough Alone, Residents' Hotel (Living Room Bar), Ashbourne, Co. Meath, 10.00 p.m.-midnight

Tues. 8th: Rattlesnake Annie plus Berea Bluegrass Trio (Al White, Ryan Blevins, Sam Gleaves), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Wed. 9th: Berea Bluegrass Trio (Al White, Ryan Blevins, Sam Gleaves), Mill Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

Fri. 11th-Sun. 13th: 24th Athy Bluegrass Festival, GAA Club, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare; New Essex Bluegrass Band (GB), Ferguson & Ferguson (USA) (Sat.-Sun.), Nelson, Crosby, & Crosby (USA), Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Della Belle, Woodbine, Bending the Strings, Clem O'Brien, the Chanders Family

Sat. 12th: Prison Love, Go Metro music stage, Merrion Square, Dublin 2, 2.00-2.45 p.m. (part of City Spectacular Festival)

Sun. 13th-Sun. 3 Aug.: Pe & Pe (CZ) in Ireland: details here

Mon. 14th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare (Ballymore Acoustic Gigs), 9.00 p.m., €12

Tues. 15th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Crocanoir, Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.

Wed. 16th: Sarah Jarosz (USA), The Set Theatre, Kilkenny city; 056 7721728 or Rollercoaster 056 7763669
Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), De Barra's Folk Club, 55 Pearse St., Clonakilty, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m., €5

Thurs. 17th: Sarah Jarosz (USA), Whelan's, Dublin 2; 1890200078
Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), St John's Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 18th: Sarah Jarosz (USA), Coughlan's Live, Cork (sold out)
Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Rockies Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork, 9.30 p.m.

Fri. 18th-Sun. 20th: Ardara Bluegrass Festival, Ardara, Co. Donegal: Woodbine, Tennessee Hennessees, others TBA

Sat. 19th: Sarah Jarosz (USA), Campbell's Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford, Co. Galway; 093 35454
Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Tech Amergin Art Centre, Waterville, Co. Kerry, 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 21st: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Kenny's, Main St., Lahinch, Co. Clare, 9.30 p.m.

Tues. 22nd: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Matt Molloy's, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 9.00 p.m.
Count Me In Bluegrass Band, Jonny the Jug, Holywood, Co. Down, 9.00 p.m.

Wed. 23rd: Cairncastle Ulster Scots Bluegrass Evening, Halfway House Hotel, Coast Road, Ballygally, Co. Antrim: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Janet Holmes, Count Me In Bluegrass Band; plus workshops in Cairncastle village on bluegrass history (23 July) and fiddle making (25 July)
Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 24th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Sunflower Club, Belfast, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 25th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA), Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, 9.00 p.m.

Fri. 25th-Sat. 26th: Knockanstockan Independent Music & Arts Festival, Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow: I Draw Slow, many more

Fri. 25th-Sat. 27th: Whelan's Bluegrass, Country, and Roots Festival (25-27 July), 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2; 8.00 p.m. each night, adm. free

Sat. 26th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA) with Charlie McGettigan, Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m.

Sun. 27th: Ferguson & Ferguson (USA) - Ferguson, Holmes, & Henry Reunion, Phil Murphy Weekend, Colfer's, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Si Kahn (USA) leads singalong of US labour and civil rights songs, Maldron Hotel, Cork city, 8.00 p.m. (free song sheets)

Mon. 28th: Si Kahn (USA) songwriting workshop, Maldron Hotel, Cork city, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 31st: Grand Concert (fundraiser for Cork Mother Jones Festival), Si Kahn with Anne Feeney (USA), Firkin Crane Theatre, Cork city, 8.30 p.m.
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew [Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (fdl), Christian Volkmann (hca)] with special guests Joey Magic (Americana), Lynda Lucas & Erin Achenbach (folk/country); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free


AUGUST 2014

Fri. 1st: Si Kahn (USA), presentation: 'A life of activism', Firkin Crane Theatre, Cork city, 2.00 p.m.

Fri. 1st-Sun. 31st: Open House Bangor Festival 2014, Bangor, Co. Down (see Sun. 3rd)

Sat. 2nd-Sun. 3rd: Bluegrass Weekend (part of Maiden City Festival, Derry city): 'Bluegrass on the Walls' (Sat. afternoon) Tennessee Hennessees, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Wookalily, Count Me In, Broken String Band, Murder Balladeers; 'Youngtime Bluegrass' (Sat. evening) concert in the Craft Village: Cup o' Joe, No Oil Paintings, Noriana Kennedy; 'Bluegrass Brunch' (Sun.) in the Craft Village: Janet Holmes & Colin Henry, Wookalily, White Mansions, Murder Balladeers

Sat. 2nd: The Hot Seats (USA), Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Sun. 3rd: Hot Seats (USA), Bluegrass Picnic in the Park, Bangor, Co. Down (part of Open House Festival summer holiday season), 3.00-5.00 p.m.
Hot Seats (USA), Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.00 p.m.
Pilgrim St, Swan Lane (Ardboyne Hotel), Navan, Co. Meath, adm. €10

Thurs. 7th-Sun. 10th: Clonmel Busking Festival, Co. Tipperary: bluegrass bands wanted - contact Elaine Lyons via Facebook

Fri. 8th-Sun. 10th: 4th Mohill Bluegrass Festival, Mohill, Co. Leitrim;
Down & Out Bluegrass Band, Count Me In, Wookalily, Cool Hand Dukes, The Cat's Meow

Sat. 16th: Woodbine, Killybegs, Co. Donegal (postponed sine die)
Prison Love, Button Factory, Dublin 1, midnight, adm. free (part of Jack of Diamonds Rhythm & Roots Festival)

Sun. 17th: Dublin Bluegrass Collective, Out Door Stage, Dame District, Dublin 2, 7.00 p.m.
Prison Love, the Velvet Room, Garden Stage, Sligo town, 9.00 p.m., adm. free (part of Fleadh Cheoil 2014)

Wed. 20th: Cathal Cusack (gtr), Tim Hawkins (fdl), Richard Hawkins (bj), old-time music, upstairs at the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14; c.8.30-10.30 p.m.
Ricky Skaggs, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, plus Cleek Schrey (USA) with Brock McGuire Band; 7.30 p.m., Maritime Hotel, Bantry, Co. Cork (opening concert of Masters of Tradition festival, 20-24 Aug.); sold out

Thurs. 21st-Sun. 24th: 20th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford: Boxcar Preachers (USA), Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Land’s End, Mons Wheeler Band, Southern Welfare, Black Bottle String Band, Newfoundland, Greasy Coat String Band, Dublin City Rounders, Barefoot Jenny

Fri. 22nd: Amanda Rheaume Trio (CAN), Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, Co. Down

Sat. 23rd: Amanda Rheaume Trio (CAN), Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Sun. 24th: Amanda Rheaume Trio (CAN), Enler Delta Blues Club, Comber, Co. Down

Tues. 26th: Amanda Rheaume Trio (CAN), Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

Thurs. 28th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew (Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (fdl), Christian Volkmann (hca)); special guests Gary Fitzpatrick (alt.folk), Melina Malone (contemporary), Nik Hennessy (folk/country); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 29th: Pilgrim St, Salty Dog stage, 5.00 p.m.; Prison Love, Salty Dog stage, 9.15 p.m. (part of Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois)

Fri. 29th-Sun. 31st: 23rd Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone: Dale Ann Bradley (USA), Love Canon (USA), The Outliers (USA), April Verch Band (CAN), 4 Wheel Drive (NL/D/B), Robirohi (EST), Rackhouse Pilfer, White Mansions, Cup O’ Joe, Scarlet Wool (USA); Rodney McElrea on 'Women in bluegrass' (McAuley Lecture, 1.00 p.m. Sat.)

Fri. 29th-Sun. 31st: Didmarton Bluegrass Festival, Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire GL7 6BQ, England

Sat. 30th: Prison Love, Trailer Park, 1.00 p.m. (part of Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois)

Sun. 31st: I Draw Slow, Bluegrass Picnic, Ward Park, Bangor, Co. Down, 3.00-5.00 p.m. (finale of Open House Festival Bangor)
Oldtown Rounders, Jimmie Lee's Juke Joint, 9.30 p.m. (part of Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois)


SEPTEMBER 2014

Tues. 2nd: Belfast Bluegrass monthly session, upstairs in Errigle Inn, 312-20 Ormeau Rd, Belfast; 028 90 641410

Fri. 5th: Whitetop Mountain Band (USA), Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Fingal, Co. Dublin

Sat. 6th: Whitetop Mountain Band (USA), the Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone
Niall Toner Band, Milford Room, Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow town (live recording by RTÉ Radio 1 for broadcast in 'In concert' series); tickets available in advance from hotel reception, 059 9131308

Sun. 7th: Whitetop Mountain Band (USA), Roadside Tavern, Kincora Rd, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare

Tues. 9th: Whitetop Mountain Band (USA), St John’s Theatre, the Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Wed. 10th: Willie Watson (USA), the Button Factory, Curved St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2

Thurs. 11th: Willie Watson (USA), Coughlan's Live, 7 Douglas St., Cork city

Fri. 12th: Willie Watson (USA), Cleere's, 28 Parliament St., Kilkenny city
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome

Fri. 12th-Sun. 14th: Sweet Sunny South Old Time American Music Festival, Fairlight Lodge Hotel, Hastings, East Sussex, England

Sat. 13th: Two Time Polka, Arnold's Hotel, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, 10.30 p.m. Adm. free; 074 9136208 (part of Dunfanaghy Jazz & Blues Festival)

Sun. 14th: Two Time Polka, Molly's Bar, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, 2.30-4.30 p.m. Adm. free; 074 9100050 (part of Dunfanaghy Jazz & Blues Festival)

Sat. 13th: Willie Watson (USA), Leap Castle, Co. Offaly (near Roscrea, Co. Tipperary)

Tues. 16th: Hackensaw Boys (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city

Wed. 17th: Hackensaw Boys (USA), Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city
Cathal Cusack (guitar), Tim Hawkins (fiddle), and Richard Hawkins (banjo): old-time tunes run-through, upstairs at the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 (details here)

Thurs. 18th: Hackensaw Boys (USA), The Grand Social, Dublin 1

Fri. 19th: Hackensaw Boys (USA), Culturlann, Derry city
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast: Duke of York, 7-11 Commercial Court, from 7.00 p.m.; Dark Horse, Hill St. 9.30-10.30 p.m. (part of Belfast Culture Night)
Count Me In, the Fire Station, Holywood, Co. Down, from 8.30 p.m. (part of Belfast Culture Night)
Lands End, The Crane Bar, Sea Rd, Galway city

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: Roots Music Weekend, Buttevant, Co. Cork: Buddy Mondlock & Mike Lindauer (USA), Banjaxed Bluegrass Duo, Gordon & Rosie, Pat & Ricky Kelleher, Southern Bluegrass Union; tel. 087 7921771, 086 1764251

Fri. 19th-Sun. 21st: 19th Annual United Kingdom Sacred Harp Convention, Lomas Hall, Stannington, South Yorkshire, England

Sat. 20th: Hackensaw Boys (USA), Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Down and Out Bluegrass Band, The Becks, Garristown, Co. Meath, 9.30 p.m.
Lands End, JJ Harlows, The Square, Roscommon town

Sun. 21st: Hackensaw Boys (USA), Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Thurs. 25th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew (Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (fdl), Christian Volkmann (hca), Dave Hardy (sax/clt)); special guests Tony & Anne Preston (folk), Eileen Gogan (contemporary), Emma Butler & Aisling McCarthy (contemporary); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 26th-Sun. 28th: Bunratty Banjo Pickers Festival, Bunratty, Co. Clare; full programme here, including The Moron Brothers (USA)
Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Sat. 27th: The Moron Brothers (USA), plus Gordon & Rosie, Kilkishen Cultural Centre, Kilkishen, Co. Clare, 8.00 p.m.

Mon. 29th: The Moron Brothers (USA), Village Arts Centre, Kilworth, Co. Cork, 8.15 p.m. Booking and enquiries: tel. 087 7921771

Tues. 30th-Sat. 4th Oct.: International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, Raleigh, NC, USA


OCTOBER 2014

Thurs. 2nd: The Moron Brothers (USA), Gleeson's Bar, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, 9.00 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 3rd-Sun. 5th: Bruff Bluegrass Music Festival: Down and Out Bluegrass Band, Tin Box Company, Rocky Top String Band, Well Enough Alone, Harpers Hollow Bluegrass Band, Clem O'Brien Band, Southern Bluegrass Union; plus ancillary attractions - Donkey Derby, Morning Star Rose, Big Mock Wedding, High Nellie Flying Column

Wed. 8th: Red Molly (USA), Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland, Co. Down, 8.00 p.m.

Thurs. 9th: Red Molly (USA), Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 10th: Red Molly (USA), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, 8.00 p.m.
Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome

Sat. 11th: Cara Dillon with special guest Dan Tyminski, Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Red Molly (USA), Whitehorse Inn, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.
Lester Flatt [centenary] celebration, Sparta, TN

Sun. 12th: Cara Dillon with special guest Dan Tyminski, Millennium Forum, Derry city
Red Molly (USA), Venue Theatre, Ratoath, Co. Meath, 8.00 p.m.

Mon. 13th: Red Molly (USA), Balor Arts Centre. Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, 8.00 p.m.

Tues. 14th: Muriel Anderson (USA), Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, 8.30 p.m., €15/ €12 (Arklow Roots Music)

Wed. 15th: Red Molly (USA), Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo town, Co. Sligo, 8.00 p.m.
Cathal Cusack (guitar), Tim Hawkins (fiddle), and Richard Hawkins (banjo): old-time tunes run-through, upstairs at the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 (details here)  (cancelled for this month)

Thurs. 16th: Muriel Anderson (USA), Garter Lane Arts Centre, O’Connell St., Waterford city, 8.00 p.m.
Demolition String Band (USA), Crowley’s Bar, Henry St., Kenmare, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.

Fri. 17th: Muriel Anderson (USA), Triskel Arts Centre, Tobin St., Cork city, 8.00 p.m., €12/€14
Demolition String Band (USA), McCarthy’s, Buttevant, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.

Sat. 18th: Demolition String Band (USA), Pat Shortt’s, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m.

Sat. 18th-Sun. 19th: Irish Steel Guitar Association Festival, Green Isle Hotel, Newlands Cross, Dublin 22

Sun. 19th: Muriel Anderson (USA), Strand Arts Centre, 152-154 Holywood Rd, Belfast, 8.00 p.m. (part of Belfast Festival at Queen's)
Demolition String Band (USA), Blarney Castle Hotel, Blarney, Co. Cork, 9.00 p.m.

Mon. 20th: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), Vicar Street, Dublin, adm. €29.00
Demolition String Band (USA), Charlie’s, 2 Union Quay, Cork city, 9.00 p.m.
Greg Trooper (USA), Mick Murphy’s Stage Inn Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

Tues. 21st: Old Crow Medicine Show (USA), Mandela Hall, Belfast; online advance price £22.50 (part of Belfast Festival at Queen's)
Demolition String Band (USA), Matt Molloy’s, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 7.00 p.m.

Wed. 22nd: Greg Trooper (USA), DC Music Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2, 8.30 p.m.
Tim Eriksen (USA), Sacred Harp singing workshop, Franciscan Friary, Merchants Quay, Dublin

Wed. 22nd-Mon. 27th: Sligo Live Folk, Root & Indie Festival, at venues in Sligo town: Demolition String Band, Ruby Ridge, Corner Boys, Rackhouse Pilfer, Old Hannah, We Banjo 3, many more

Thurs. 23rd: Demolition String Band (USA), Furey’s, Bridge St., Sligo town, 8.00 p.m.
Greg Trooper (USA), Real Music Club, Errigle Inn, Belfast, 8.00 p.m.
Tim Eriksen (USA), the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin

Fri. 24th: Demolition String Band (USA), Spells Bar, Pound St., Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, 8.00 p.m.
Greg Trooper (USA), Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Fingal, Co. Dublin, 8.30 p.m., €13
Tim Eriksen (USA), Imagine Arts Festival, Waterford city

Fri. 24th-Sun. 26th: Sore Fingers October Weekend, England: tutors include Russ Barenberg, Mike Marshall

Fri. 24th-Mon. 27th: Balla Bluegrass Festival, Balla, Co. Mayo: Tall Pines String Band, Down and Out Bluegrass Band (Fri.), Demolition String Band (USA), Hickory Wind, Tim Rogers & the Clew Bay Critters (Sat.), John Nyhan String Band, the Bread Winners (Sun.), Colonel Bullshot Rides Again (Mon.); programme details here

Sat. 25th: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon
The Corner Boys, Lyons Café, Quay St., Sligo town, 3.00 p.m. (part of Sligo Live 2014)
Tim Eriksen (USA), Mountmellick Folk Concert, Mountmellick, Co. Laois

Sun. 26th: Demolition String Band (USA), Blackrock ('Rockies') GAA Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork
Brendan Power (hca) and Frankie Lane (dobro, steel gtr, vocals), Palace Theatre, Ashe Quay, Fermoy, Co. Cork, 8.00 p.m., €12 (box office 025 32042)

Tues. 28th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Music Network, Sugar Club, Dublin 2

Wed. 29th: Furnace Mountain (USA), unbooked

Thurs. 30th: De Temps Antan (CAN), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Furnace Mountain (USA), Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew (Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (fdl), Christian Volkmann (hca), Dave Hardy (sax/clt)); special guests Tom Horan (folk/country), Sue Callaghan (contemporary), Janet Holmes & Colin Henry; 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Fri. 31st: Milan Miller (USA), Bishopstown Library, Sarsfield Rd, Cork, 2.30 p.m.; adm. free, all welcome
Furnace Mountain (USA), Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth


NOVEMBER 2014

Sat. 1st: Furnace Mountain (USA), Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
KingBlue, Pikers Lodge Hotel, Lough Gowna, Co. Cavan, 9.30 p.m.

Sun. 2nd: Furnace Mountain (USA), Clifden Arts Society, Station House Theatre, Clifden, Co. Galway

Mon. 3rd: Furnace Mountain (USA), Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tues. 4th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

Wed. 5th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim

Thurs. 6th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Council Chambers, Bangor, Co. Down

Fri. 7th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down

Sat. 8th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh city

Sun. 9th: Furnace Mountain (USA), Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau, National Concert Hall, Dublin 2

Fri. 14th: Prison Love, Mermaid Arts Centre, Main St., Bray, Co. Wicklow, 8.00 p.m., €12/10: booking online or by 'phone (01 2724030)

Fri. 14th-Sun. 16th: Bluegrass Weekend, Rafterys Rest, Kilcolgan, Co, Galway: Della Belle, the House Band, P.J. Power, other players; all welcome, adm. free (ends Sunday afternoon)

Wed. 19th: Chatham County Line (USA), the Button Factory, Dublin
Cathal Cusack (guitar), Tim Hawkins (fiddle), Richard Hawkins (banjo): old-time tunes run-through, upstairs at the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 (details here)

Thurs. 20th: Chatham County Line (USA), Clonmel World Music, Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Fri. 21st: Niall Toner Band, the Schoolhouse, Killoughternane, Co. Carlow

Thurs. 27th: The Cabin Sessions, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum, Dublin 14: the Cabin Crew (Spats Davenport (gtr/vocals), Con Butler (bs), Gerry Fitzpatrick (dob), Cathy McEvoy (fdl), Christian Volkmann (hca), Dave Hardy (sax/clt)); special guests Stomptown Brass (brass band), Caitlin Jemma (Americana/ bluegrass from California), Hat Trick String Band (Bill Whelan, Sheila Sullivan, Nora Artola); 9.30-11.30 p.m., adm. free

Sat. 29th: Dangem Bluegrass monthly Bluegrass Get-Together, Lisburn Island Arts Centre, Co. Antrim, 10.00 a.m. to noon
Rackhouse Pilfer, Rockies Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork
KingBlue and Woodbine, Athy GAA Club, Dublin Rd, Athy, Co. Kildare
Wookalily launch debut album All the waiting while, Yard 401, Little Donegal St., Belfast, 8.00 p.m., £5

Sun. 30th: Niall Toner Band (recorded live at Milford Room, Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow town, 6 Sept.), broadcast in RTÉ Radio 1 'In concert' series


DECEMBER 2014

Mon. 1st: Deadline for receiving applications to play at 15th European World of Bluegrass Festival (EWOB): extended to Mon. 15th

Tues. 2nd: Belfast Bluegrass session, upstairs in the Errigle Inn, 312-20 Ormeau Rd, Belfast, from c.9.00 p.m.; all welcome

Sat. 6th: Niall Toner begins a new series of 'Roots Freeway' on RTÉ Radio 1
The New Breadwinners, Mannion's, Balla, Co. Mayo, 10.00 p.m. till late

Sun. 7th: The New Breadwinners, McGing's, Westport, Co. Mayo, 7.00-9.00 p.m.

Wed. 10th: I Draw Slow, concert in aid of life-saving blood cancer research, Whelan’s, Wexford St., Dublin 2; tickets (€25) available online, or call WAV Tickets (Lo-Call 1890 200 078); all proceeds to MIRT Ireland

Fri. 12th: Red Hat Acoustic Music Club, Harbour Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare; musicians and listeners welcome; from 8.30 p.m.

Wed. 17th: Cathal Cusack (guitar), Tim Hawkins (fiddle), Richard Hawkins (banjo): old-time tunes run-through, upstairs at the Glenside, Landscape Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 (details here)

Sat. 20th: 'Bluegrass comes to Town', Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone: Knotty Pine String Band, Down and Out Bluegrass Band, 8.00 p.m.; tickets £10.00, bookable online

Sun. 28th: Pilgrim St, Swan Lane, Navan, Co. Meath, €10; support by Della Belle
Prison Love Christmas Breakout, Upstairs in Whelans, Dublin 2, with special guests, €10; support by Dublin City Rounders